AFRICA MINING GLOSSARY

Auger drilling uses a helical screw (auger) to drill into soft or unconsolidated ground. The auger brings soil or sediment samples to the surface for analysis. In Africa, auger drilling is often applied in laterite gold exploration in West Africa (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea) where weathered soils cover mineralized bedrock.

Blast hole drilling is a production drilling method used in open-pit mining to drill holes into rock, which are later filled with explosives for blasting. This is central to large-scale open-pit operations in commodities such as gold (South Africa, Ghana), copper (Zambia), and iron ore (South Africa, Liberia).

Diamond core drilling uses a diamond-tipped drill bit to cut through rock and extract cylindrical samples called cores. It is the most accurate method for understanding subsurface geology, essential for feasibility studies. It is widely used in gold exploration (Ghana, Mali, Tanzania) and copper/cobalt projects (DRC, Zambia).

Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling uses a pneumatic hammer at the end of a drill string to crush rock directly at the drilling face. It is especially efficient in hard and abrasive rock formations and is used in gold, iron ore, and base metal projects where deep penetration is needed.

The process of drilling holes to collect samples and determine the presence, size, and quality of mineral deposits. It is the foundation of mineral exploration across Africa for gold, copper-cobalt, and lithium. Techniques include diamond core drilling, RC, and auger.

Infill drilling is a stage where additional drill holes are placed between existing ones to increase data density and improve resource estimation confidence. This is common before publishing updated resource statements or feasibility studies in gold and copper projects.

RC drilling is a fast and cost-effective exploration method where compressed air pushes rock chips up through a dual-walled drill pipe. It is ideal for initial exploration, resource estimation, and grade control, especially in regions like Burkina Faso, Botswana, and Namibia.

A mineral exploration technique where soil, rock, water, or vegetation samples are collected and analyzed for trace elements that indicate mineralization. Geochemical anomalies often point toward hidden ore bodies. Widely used in gold, copper, and cobalt exploration in various African countries.

A survey using physical methods (magnetics, gravity, seismic) to detect mineral deposits beneath the surface. These help map subsurface structures. Airborne magnetic surveys are common for covering large areas quickly across Africa.

The study of soil and rock conditions to assess ground stability for mining or construction projects. This is crucial in open-pit and underground mines, particularly deep-level gold and platinum projects in South Africa, to ensure safety and slope stability.

The surrounding rock in which a mineral deposit is found. Certain host rocks, such as greenstone belts in West Africa (for gold) and kimberlite pipes (for diamonds), are strongly associated with mineralization.

The geological process by which valuable minerals are concentrated in rocks, forming deposits that may be mined profitably. Africa is home to diverse mineralization styles, from gold-bearing quartz veins in Ghana to copper-cobalt in the DRC.

A naturally occurring concentration of valuable minerals or metals within rock that can be mined profitably. World-class African ore bodies include the Central African Copperbelt and gold-rich greenstone belts in Ghana and Mali.

A mineral deposit formed when quartz and associated minerals fill fractures in rock. Quartz veins often host gold, making them prime targets, especially in West African gold exploration (Ghana, Mali).

Methods to minimize airborne dust created during drilling, blasting, crushing, and transporting ore. Essential in open-pit gold and copper mines in countries like Ghana, Mali, and Zambia to prevent health issues like silicosis.

Management of rock stability in underground and surface mines (using rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) to prevent collapses or rockfalls. Vital in deep mines such as South Africa’s gold and platinum operations.

Specialized emergency response teams and procedures used to save lives in case of underground fires, cave-ins, or explosions. Particularly relevant in deep mining regions like South Africa.

System for supplying fresh air to underground mines to remove dust, gases, and heat. Critical in South Africa’s deep-level gold and platinum mines due to high rock temperatures and air circulation challenges.

Practices, systems, and regulations designed to protect workers from accidents, injuries, and health risks. Priority in enforcing mining safety laws in countries like South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia.

The primary ore of aluminum. Africa holds rich reserves, particularly in Guinea, which supplies nearly a quarter of global demand.

A critical metal for rechargeable batteries. Africa dominates supply, with the DRC producing over 70% of the world’s cobalt. Central to ESG discussions due to sourcing debates.

Base metal essential for electrical wiring and renewable energy systems. The Central African Copperbelt (DRC and Zambia) holds over 10% of the world’s reserves.

Precious gemstones historically led by African production. Major deposits are in Botswana, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, and the DRC.

The most important mineral resource in Africa. Ghana is now the continent’s top producer, with significant output also in Mali, Sudan, and Tanzania. Mined largely from greenstone belts.

Raw material for steelmaking. Africa hosts vast resources, especially in South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea (Simandou project).

Light metal for rechargeable batteries. Zimbabwe hosts one of the world’s largest hard-rock deposits (Bikita, Arcadia). Critical for diversifying global supply chains.

Base metal for stainless steel and EV batteries. Major resources in Madagascar (Ambatovy), South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana. Africa is a rising player in global supply chains.

Includes platinum, palladium, etc., used in catalytic converters and electronics. Africa (South Africa's Bushveld Complex) dominates global reserves, holding over 70% of the world’s supply.

Critical for electronics, magnets, and renewables. Africa hosts significant deposits in Tanzania (Ngualla), Burundi, and South Africa, attracting global interest to reduce reliance on China.

Rare metal used in capacitors for electronics. Africa is the world’s largest supplier, with major production in Rwanda and the DRC, often involving artisanal mining.

Radioactive mineral fuel for nuclear power. Namibia and Niger rank among the world’s largest suppliers. Vital for global energy security as nuclear energy gains momentum.

Metal used primarily for galvanizing steel. Significant deposits are found in Namibia (Rosh Pinah, Gamsberg), South Africa, and Burkina Faso. Namibia is a top African exporter.

Detailed analysis evaluating the technical, economic, legal, and environmental viability of a project. Critical for securing investment in gold, copper, cobalt, and lithium projects across Africa.

Small to mid-sized firms focused primarily on exploration. They play a vital role in exploring gold in West Africa and lithium in Zimbabwe, often partnering with or being acquired by majors.

Legal authorizations required to explore, develop, and operate mines. Includes environmental approvals and mining leases. Clear systems are essential for attracting investors.

Policy framework promoting transformation, equity, and socio-economic development in South Africa's mining industry, setting targets for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and community investment.

Regulations, acts, and legal frameworks governing mineral exploration and mining. Defines ownership, licensing, taxation, and environmental responsibilities across diverse African jurisdictions.

Policies aimed at maximizing national benefits from resources (higher taxes, local ownership). Countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and the DRC have revised codes to increase state revenue from minerals.

Payments made by companies to governments for mineral extraction (e.g., Ghana has a 5% gold royalty). Balancing fair revenue with investment incentives is a key policy challenge.

The process of improving the economic value of ore by removing impurities and upgrading mineral content before further processing or export. A strategic priority for many African governments (South Africa, Zimbabwe).

Increasing the percentage of valuable minerals in ore (via gravity, flotation, etc.) to make extraction more efficient. Used for gold, copper, iron ore, and REEs to reduce transport costs.

A method using air bubbles and reagents to separate valuable minerals from waste rock. Widely applied in copper mines (Zambia/DRC) and platinum operations (South Africa).

The science and technology of extracting metals from ores and refining them. Underpins operations across Africa, from gold metallurgy in Ghana to copper hydrometallurgy in Zambia.

Ore grade is the concentration of minerals; cut-off grade is the minimum concentration required for profitability. Essential for resource estimation and mine planning.

Extracting metals from ore by applying heat and chemicals. Essential for copper in Zambia, nickel in Madagascar, and PGMs in Zimbabwe. Adds significant local value.

Storing, treating, and rehabilitating waste materials left after processing. Important for gold, copper, and uranium mines to ensure safety and environmental protection (South Africa, Ghana).

Involving local communities in decision-making and ensuring they benefit from projects (social investment, job creation). Critical in mineral-rich regions like Tanzania, Zambia, and Guinea.

Framework measuring performance in environmental protection, social impact, and governance. Shaping operations in the DRC (cobalt), South Africa (platinum), and Guinea (bauxite).

Policies prioritizing local labor, suppliers, and services to maximize economic benefits for host countries. Laws enacted in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana to retain more value locally.

Safely closing a mine and restoring the land for alternative uses. Vital for the environment and communities in countries like South Africa and Ghana, which require detailed closure plans.

Balancing extraction with environmental protection, social responsibility, and long-term economic benefits. Critical in Africa due to biodiversity and reliance on mining for growth.

Strategies to source, use, recycle, and discharge water responsibly. Essential in water-scarce regions like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Namibia, relying on advanced recycling systems.