Mineral potential of central Africa: an Australian overview.

The countries of central Africa (20 contiguous countries excluding West and South Africa) cover a very large and intensely mineralised area of central Gondwana, and differ enormously in size, history, infrastructure, geological information, mineral potential and political risk to investment. Those on the Atlantic seaboard (Zaire, Angola and Namibia) are more richly endowed with known resources than those on the Indian seaboard. However, the latter offer significant potential for mineral sands, coal, industrial minerals and geothermal energy. Tables show, on a comparative basis, the main mineral characteristics of these countries. The case is made for the development of medium sized mines which are very well suited for the sustainable development of central Africa. Priority targets appear to be precious metals, medium-tonnage base metal deposits and non-metallics.
The countries of central Africa (20 contiguous countries excluding West and South Africa) cover a very large and intensely mineralised area of central Gondwana, and differ enormously in size, history, infrastructure, geological information, mineral potential and political risk to investment. Those on the Atlantic seaboard (Zaire, Angola and Namibia) are more richly endowed with known resources than those on the Indian seaboard. However, the latter offer significant potential for mineral sands, coal, industrial minerals and geothermal energy. Tables show, on a comparative basis, the main mineral characteristics of these countries. The case is made for the development of medium sized mines which are very well suited for the sustainable development of central Africa. Priority targets appear to be precious metals, medium-tonnage base metal deposits and non-metallics.