Gold mining in Africa is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025 and 2026, with several landmark projects reaching production and major power shifts in the industry.
I’ve summarized the most significant gold mining projects currently shaping the continent across its key regions below:
🥇 The Major Players: Africa’s Largest Mines
In 2025, a significant shift occurred at the top of Africa’s gold mining hierarchy. The Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reclaimed the title of Africa’s largest gold mine from Ghana’s Ahafo South, reflecting the DRC’s growing prominence in the sector.
🌍 West Africa: The Heart of Gold Production
West Africa remains the continent’s gold powerhouse, with Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire leading the charge on both new projects and major expansions.
| Project Name | Country | Operator | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahafo North | Ghana | Newmont | Achieved first gold pour (Sep 2025) and commercial production (Oct 2025). Forecast to deliver 275,000-325,000 oz annually over a 13-year mine life. |
| Kiaka | Burkina Faso | West African Resources | Poured its first gold bar in June 2025. Average annual output estimated at 234,000 oz (approx. 6.63 tonnes). |
| Kokoseb | Namibia | WIA Gold | A scoping study (Sep 2025) estimates development costs at US$358.8 million, marking it as one of several new mines planned in the country. |
| Dugbe | Liberia | Pasofino Gold | One of West Africa’s largest undeveloped gold assets, hosting 3.9 million ounces of gold. |
| Koné | Côte d’Ivoire | Montage Gold | One of West Africa’s largest gold projects by land area, with over 50 identified targets. |
| Yakassé | Côte d’Ivoire | Kobo Resources | An advanced gold exploration project currently under an earn-in agreement with Geoservices. |
| Barani & Gourbassi | Mali | Desert Gold Ventures | In advanced discussions to secure funding and begin construction on these gold deposits. |
📈 East Africa: A Hotbed of New Development
The East African region is seeing substantial progress as several high-potential projects advance towards or into production.
| Project Name | Country | Operator | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulu Kapi | Ethiopia | KEFI Gold and Copper | On track to begin full-scale development in October 2025, with site preparations underway. |
| Isulu-Bushiangala | Kenya | Shanta Gold | An underground gold mine with projected annual operating costs of US$19 million, though facing community skepticism. |
| Nejo | Ethiopia | Askari Metals | Strengthened government backing for gold-copper exploration, with maiden drilling focusing on high-grade gold targets. |
| Magambazi (Handeni) | Tanzania | East Africa Metals | Located 173 km northwest of Dar es Salaam; this project is comprised of mining and prospecting licenses that are being advanced. |
| Kilimapesa Hill | Kenya | Imara Gold | Operations are currently suspended. The project, near Lake Victoria, last made gold sales in March 2024. |
⛏️ Southern Africa: A New Era Begins
After a long hiatus, Southern Africa is marking a significant milestone with the opening of its first new underground mine in years.
| Project Name | Country | Operator | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qala Shallows | South Africa | West Wits Mining | Officially opened in December 2025 as South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in 15 years. First ore reached the surface in October 2025, with projected 70,000 oz annually over a 12-year lifespan. |
| Hillside Prospect 1 | Zimbabwe | Kavango Resources | Restoration work on historic shafts was completed, and options are being pursued to acquire additional projects. |
🗺️ North Africa: An Emerging Frontier
The Sukari Gold Mine, operated by Centamin, remains the region’s dominant and only large-scale producer, continuing to anchor Egypt’s gold mining industry. The region’s true potential, however, may lie in its vast, untapped exploration opportunities, particularly in countries like Sudan and Mauritania.
🌟 Key Themes Shaping African Gold Mining
- Market Dynamics: The industry is buoyed by a strong gold market, which is encouraging new investments and mine developments across the continent.
- Unlocking Potential: A major focus is on advancing significant undeveloped gold assets, such as the Dugbe project in Liberia (3.9 Moz) and the Koné project in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Exploration: There is a surge in exploration activities, with new players entering key gold districts, notably in Côte d’Ivoire.
Are you interested in a deeper look at a specific project or the mining landscape in a particular country? Let me know, and I can provide more details.
