At a Glance
- Guinea leads Africa’s iron reserves, positioning the continent as a strategic global supply hub.
- Established and frontier markets offer high-grade deposits with rising investor and infrastructure interest.
- Iron ore exports drive jobs, revenues and industrial growth amid environmental and community challenges.
Africa sits atop a treasure trove of iron ore, a mineral that underpins global industrial growth, from steel production to infrastructure development.
With billions of tonnes of reserves scattered across the continent, African nations are increasingly attracting miners, investors, and global consumers seeking secure supply chains.
Guinea leads the pack with a staggering 7.4 billion tonnes, making it one of the world’s largest untapped iron ore hubs.
South Africa, Mauritania, and Angola follow closely, offering both high-grade deposits and well-established mining infrastructure.
Liberia, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo present emerging opportunities, where investments in exploration and processing could unlock significant value.
China, India, and Europe remain the dominant buyers, intensifying demand for Africa’s iron ore and reshaping regional economies.
Beyond exports, the sector drives employment, infrastructure development, and government revenues, yet environmental concerns and community engagement remain critical challenges.
For investors, Africa’s iron ore market is a mix of established giants and frontier prospects, a sector where geological richness meets strategic opportunity. Below is a country-by-country profile of the top 10 African iron ore powerhouses.
1. Guinea – 7.4 billion tonnes
Guinea’s iron reserves are the largest in Africa, dominated by high-grade hematite. Major players include SMB-Winning Consortium, with projects driving exports to China and Europe. The mining sector is a key pillar of GDP growth and foreign investment inflows.
Top Iron-ore players in Guinea: Guinea’s top iron ore miners center around the massive Simandou deposit, with Rio Tinto (Blocks 3 & 4), the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) (Blocks 1 & 2) comprising Chinese partners like Baowu, and Chinalco (as a major partner in Simfer/Rio Tinto).
2. South Africa – 1.2 billion tonnes
South Africa combines rich magnetite and hematite deposits with mature mining infrastructure. Kumba Iron Ore, part of Anglo American, leads production. Mining contributes significantly to employment, regional development, and export revenues.
Top Iron-ore players in South Africa: The top iron ore mining companies in South Africa by production volume are generally considered to be Anglo American (through its Kumba Iron Ore division, operating Sishen & Kolomela mines), African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) (with Khumani & Beeshoek mines), and potentially Exxaro. These companies manage massive mines like Sishen, Kolomela, and Khumani, making them the key producers in the country.
3. Mauritania – 1 billion tonnes
Mauritania’s iron wealth, concentrated in the Zouérate region, is largely exported via the SNIM mining company. The sector supports national infrastructure and remains central to Mauritania’s industrial ambitions.
Top Iron-ore players in Mauritania: Mauritania’s top iron ore miners center around the state-owned giant SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière), operating multiple mines in Kedia d’Ijill, Guelb el Rhein, M’Haoudat, alongside major foreign-invested operations like Kinross Gold Corp (Tasiast Mine) and First Quantum Minerals Ltd (Guelb Moghrein).
4. Angola – 520 million tonnes
Angola’s iron deposits are primarily in Cassinga and Cassala. Mining remains an emerging sector post-civil war, attracting foreign investment from global miners and boosting local employment opportunities.
Top Iron-ore players in Angola: Key players in Angola’s growing iron ore sector include Tosyalı Iron & Steel Angola (TISA) for its large processing capacity, FERRANGOL, and potentially entities involved with the Kassinga iron ore reserves, with major international firms like Rio Tinto and BHP
5. Gabon – 500 million tonnes
Gabon is rich in high-grade iron ore, with Belinga being the flagship project. Mining expansion is tied to infrastructure development, particularly railways and ports for export to China.
Top Iron-ore players in Gabon: Genmin (Baniaka/Bakoumba projects) as a key developer, partnering with majors like Fortescue (via Ivindo Iron) and potentially Anglo American
6. Liberia – 400 million tonnes
Liberia’s iron ore mining is dominated by high-grade deposits in Nimba and Bong counties. The industry is a major source of jobs, foreign exchange, and post-conflict economic revival.
Top Iron-ore players in Liberia: ArcelorMittal, a global leader, along with major project operators like Putu Iron Ore Mining and the consortium involved in the Western Cluster Iron Ore (WCIO), encompassing Bea Mountain and Mano River deposits, with China Union also being a key player in the sector’s revival.
7. Democratic Republic of Congo – 300 million tonnes
The DRC’s iron reserves complement its cobalt and copper dominance. Mining remains underdeveloped, presenting frontier investment opportunities with high growth potential.
Top Iron-ore players in DRC: Major iron ore players include Zanaga Iron Ore Company, developing large projects, alongside significant involvement from global giants like Glencore and potential development by others like Ivanhoe Mines
8. Nigeria – 300 million tonnes
Nigeria’s Itakpe deposit underpins the country’s steel ambitions. The sector is strategically important for industrialization, though infrastructure and investment gaps limit full-scale exploitation.
Top Iron-ore players in Nigeria: Key players like Africa Natural Resources and Mines Limited, often cited as Nigeria’s main producer, alongside large entities like Zuma Steel (focused on steel but uses ore) and Multiverse Mining & Exploration Plc, with Kogi Iron also a notable developer
9. Algeria – 250 million tonnes
Algeria’s iron ore is largely located in Ouenza and Boukhadra. The sector feeds domestic steel production and has untapped potential for exports across the Mediterranean.
Top Iron-ore players in Algeria: Sinosteel (Feraal)
10. Senegal – 220 million tonnes
Senegal’s iron ore is centered on the Falémé region. Mining projects are attracting Chinese investment, aiming to boost exports and strengthen local supply chains for West Africa.
Top Iron-ore players in Senegal: ArcelorMittal being a key international player through its Falémé mine, alongside potential future developments by companies like Akora Resources
