African mining markets are witnessing a sharp rise in greenfield exploration as governments and investors race to secure new mineral reserves and expand production pipelines.
The surge reflects growing global demand for minerals critical to industrial growth, energy transition technologies and traditional commodity markets.
Recent developments across the continent illustrate the scale of the exploration drive. Last year, South Africa awarded 358 new exploration licenses, while Ghana is advancing more than 90 exploration projects.
Meanwhile, Namibia has received over 800 new exploration license applications, signalling strong interest from investors seeking access to Africa’s mineral resources.
The expansion comes as global demand for critical minerals is projected to quadruple by 2040. At the same time, gold and other traditional commodities are reaching record prices, pushing governments to prioritise exploration as a driver of industrial growth, job creation and downstream economic diversification.
South Africa strengthens exploration pipeline
South Africa is intensifying exploration to maintain its global leadership in platinum group metals (PGMs), chrome and manganese while revitalising its gold and iron ore sectors.
In 2025, the country awarded 358 new prospecting rights and 32 mining rights, marking a major step toward unlocking additional mineral resources and sustaining long-term production growth.
To further stimulate exploration activity, the government has allocated R2 billion to support junior mining companies. The funding aims to expand exploration activity and strengthen the country’s mining pipeline.
The effort forms part of a broader national strategy to mobilise R2 trillion in investment for the critical minerals sector and unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources.
Ghana expands exploration beyond gold
Ghana continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s leading gold producer while expanding exploration into other minerals critical for the global energy transition.
The country currently hosts more than 90 active exploration projects and has attracted over $20 billion in mining and exploration investment in the past two years, reflecting strong investor confidence in the sector.
Speaking in Cape Town in February, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, highlighted the country’s diverse mineral base, which includes bauxite, manganese, iron ore, cobalt and nickel.
“We are looking forward to further discoveries of critical minerals that will support the global energy transition,” he said.
Namibia accelerates licensing reforms
Namibia is also reforming its exploration licensing system to expand mining activity and reinforce its status as a leading producer of uranium and diamonds.
The country currently holds 588 Exclusive Prospecting Licenses and is experiencing a strong influx of new applications.
According to Isabella Chirchir, Namibia’s Mining Commissioner, the government is deploying digital licensing platforms to accelerate application processing, reduce backlogs and improve regulatory efficiency.
The country has received more than 800 exploration license applications and is managing over 600 pending environmental approvals as it seeks to attract additional exploration investment and unlock new mineral discoveries.
Exploration momentum across the continent
Exploration activity is also intensifying in other African markets as governments pursue ambitious mining strategies.
Zambia is expanding copper exploration with the goal of reaching production of 3 million tons annually by 2031.
Meanwhile, Guinea is progressing with exploration around the $20 billion Simandou iron ore project, widely regarded as the world’s largest untapped iron ore deposit. The development is expected to support global steel supply chains while advancing the country’s Simandou 2040 economic diversification plan.
Industry platform to spotlight exploration opportunities
Against this backdrop, African Mining Week 2026 will highlight exploration opportunities across the continent when it takes place from October 14 to 16, 2026 in Cape Town.
The event will feature panel discussions, country spotlights and project showcases focused on greenfield exploration, investment opportunities and strategies to unlock Africa’s untapped mineral wealth.
African Mining Week is held alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026, scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, bringing together industry leaders, investors and policymakers to explore opportunities across Africa’s energy and mining sectors.
