The mining sector remains a cornerstone of economic development across Africa, endowed with vast reserves of critical minerals and metals that fuel global industries from electronics to energy. As a key driver of economic growth, the mining industry contributes significantly to national GDPs and generates employment opportunities, supporting livelihoods for millions. Yet, the sector faces unique challenges, often operating in some of the continent’s most remote and inaccessible regions. These areas, distant from the dense network of internet sea cables, frequently grapple with limited connectivity, complicating operations and logistics. Full article.
South Africa’s largest open-pit mine (Palabora mine) captured on July 2, 2019 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. Source: NASA Earth Observatory