- Ghana has regained its position as Africa’s top gold producer, with a remarkable 32 per cent increase in production of the mineral in 2022.
- South Africa’s gold production has seen a year-on-year increase of 2.2 per cent as of October 2023.
- In 2022, crisis-saddled Sudan’s gold production was reported at 50,000.000kg.
An in-depth exploration of the top five gold-producing countries in Africa in 2023, analyzing their production statistics, mining operations, and the level of political stability in each country.
Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the top gold-producing countries in Africa. The continent, known for its rich mineral resources, has several nations contributing significantly to the global gold market. This article delves into the gold production statistics, major mining operations, and the political stability of the top five gold-producing countries in Africa as of 2023.
Gold-Producing Countries in Africa
- Ghana: Regaining the Top Spot
- South Africa: A Major Player in the Industry
- Sudan: Significant Growth Despite Challenges
- Mali: Consistent Production Amidst Uncertainty
- Burkina Faso: Dynamic Sector Growth
Ghana: Regaining the Top Spot
Ghana has recently regained its position as Africa’s top gold producer, with a remarkable 32 per cent increase in gold production in 2022. The country’s gold output was reported at 90,000.000 kg in December 2022, marking a significant growth from the previous year.
Key contributors to this growth include the commencement of the Bibiani mine and increased output from the Edikan, Chirano, and Obuasi mines. This growth has propelled Ghana to not only the summit in Africa but also the 10th biggest producer globally.
South Africa: A Major Player in the Industry
South Africa, once the top gold producer, continues to be a significant player in the industry. Harmony Gold Mining, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Sibanye Stillwater, and Northam Platinum stand out as the primary gold producers in South Africa.
The country, which was once the leading global gold producer until the mid-2000s, has now slipped to the eighth position. According to Statistica estimates for 2022, South Africa produced an approximate 110 metric tons of gold. The output from South Africa’s gold mining industry, with a history spanning 130 years, has been on a decline for more than two decades.
However, the country’s gold production has seen a year-on-year increase of 2.2 per cent as of October 2023. Notable mines like Mponeng and South Deep contribute to this uptick in production.
In the first quarter of 2023, South Africa reported a 13 per cent increase in production, with Gold Fields’ managed production increasing by 12 per cent. The country stands as the world’s eighth-largest producer of gold in 2022, with a 3 per cent increase in output compared to 2021.
Sudan: Significant Growth Despite Challenges
Sudan has experienced a varied production in recent years but remains a key gold producer in Africa. In 2022, Sudan’s gold production was reported at 50,000.000 kg.
Despite facing challenges like disruption to artisanal and small-scale mining, the country has become Africa’s third-largest gold producer over the last decade. Official figures showed a record production of 34.5 tonnes last year, with potential stability in 2023 despite ongoing conflicts.
Mali: Consistent Production Amidst Uncertainty
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, is expected to reach or even exceed its forecast of 67.7 tonnes of industrial gold production in 2023. Despite some predictions of a decline in industrial gold output, Mali’s gold production is on course to meet or surpass its 2023 projections. This demonstrates the country’s resilience and capability in maintaining a steady gold output amidst varying economic conditions.
Burkina Faso: Dynamic Sector Growth
Burkina Faso’s gold sector has shown dynamic growth over the years. In 2022, the country reached an all-time high gold production of 70,000.000 kg. With the initiation of its inaugural gold refinery, Burkina Faso aims to refine its primary mineral resource on-site, indicating a significant advancement in its mining infrastructure.
The construction of this refinery, alongside other major projects like the Bomboré Gold mine expansion, underscores the country’s ambition to further strengthen its position in the gold mining industry.
Read also: New Trends in Gold-Backed Financing
Current Gold Price and Its Role as a Global Reserve Currency
As of December 2023, the price of gold has shown a significant increase. The current price stands at an average of $2,032.40 per ounce, marking an 11.59 per cent rise since the beginning of the year. The average price in 2023 was $2,921.63 per ounce, with a market price of $2,072.11 per ounce in December 2023.
The resurgence of gold as a major reserve currency globally has been a subject of increasing interest in recent years. While it is unlikely that gold will completely replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency, its role as a reserve asset is undeniably growing. Several factors contribute to this shift:
- Diversification: Central banks traditionally held US dollars for stability and liquidity. However, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties have prompted a move towards diversifying reserves, reducing exposure to the USD. Gold serves as an effective hedge against inflation and economic instability, making it an attractive option for reserve diversification.
- Limited Supply: The finite nature of gold, with its limited supply, enhances its value as a reserve asset. It is less susceptible to inflation and currency fluctuations compared to fiat currencies.
- Store of Value: Gold has a long-standing history as a store of value. Its relative stability over time makes it a reliable reserve asset for central banks to maintain the value of their currency.
- Shift in Global Power: Emerging economies such as China and Russia are increasingly seeking alternatives to the USD as a reserve currency. Holding gold allows these countries to diversify their reserves and reduce reliance on the USD.
Turkey’s increasing gold reserves amid US sanction
Economic sanctions imposed by the United States have also played a significant role in this shift. Sanctions can significantly impact the economies of targeted countries and their access to global financial systems.
As a result, central banks have increased their gold holdings as a tangible asset not subject to US sanctions, offering protection against the economic impact of these sanctions. In 2018, Turkey increased its gold reserves amid US sanctions, and both Russia and China have also been boosting their gold holdings.
An annual poll revealed that over 60 per cent of central banks expected to increase their gold investments through 2023. This was corroborated by data from the World Gold Council, which showed a 152 per cent rise in gold purchases by global central banks in 2022 compared to 2021, amounting to 1,136 tonnes.
This renewed interest in gold as a reserve currency reflects a strategic shift in the global financial landscape, underscoring gold’s enduring value and stability in a world of economic uncertainties.
