Africa’s Top 10 Mining Projects Set to Hit Major Milestones in 2026

After years of delays and cautious investment, 2026 is shaping up as a landmark year for African mining, with several high-profile projects set to reach significant production, expansion, and infrastructure milestones.

Across the continent, developments in copper, lithium, gold, and iron ore are driving growth and signalling Africa’s rising role in global mineral markets.

Key projects to watch in 2026 include:

• Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, DRC: Ivanhoe Mines anticipates stable copper production of 380,000–420,000 tonnes, following the resolution of dewatering challenges and resumption of underground operations.
• Manono Lithium Project, DRC: Targeting initial commercial production by June, the project will produce roughly 95,170 tonnes of crude lithium sulphate per year, supported by a 5 million-tonne mining and processing capacity.
• Qala Shallows Gold Mine, South Africa: West Wits Mining expects the first gold pour in March 2026, marking South Africa’s first shallow underground gold mine in 15 years.
• Goulamina and Bougouni Lithium Projects, Mali: Both projects are advancing production, with Goulamina producing 506,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually and Bougouni ramping up exports of high-grade lithium concentrate.
• Fekola Regional Expansion, Mali: B2Gold’s expansion is set to add 180,000 ounces of gold annually, extending the mine’s life into the 2030s.
• Otjikoto Antelope Underground Project, Namibia: Early development and optimisation of high-grade gold zones will supplement Otjikoto Mine’s output in 2026.
• Simandou Iron Ore Project, Guinea: The world-class deposit is transitioning from construction to initial production, with rail and port logistics being tested ahead of full-scale operations.
• Lobito Corridor Rail and Export Infrastructure, Angola/DRC/Zambia: Key sections are expected to become operational, lowering transit costs for copper and cobalt.
• Tulu Kapi Gold Project, Ethiopia: Early construction and development milestones will be achieved after overcoming financing and logistical challenges.

The African mining sector’s strong pipeline reflects growing investor confidence, strategic infrastructure development, and the continent’s potential to meet global demand for critical minerals. Analysts expect 2026 to be a year of tangible delivery, positioning Africa as a key player in global mining markets.

Source: Mining Review Africa