A fresh wave of investment approvals across Africa’s mining sector is pushing several projects into construction, signalling renewed momentum as global demand for minerals rises, according to a statement released on Wednesday by Energy Capital & Power.
Australian miner Resolute Mining has approved a $516 million final investment decision (FID) for its Doropo Gold Project in Ivory Coast, the statement said, with production expected to begin in 2028 at an annual rate of about 500,000 ounces.
Toubani Resources has also taken a $216 million FID on its Kobada Gold Project in Mali, which is expected to produce around 162,000 ounces of gold per year, according to the release.
The approvals are part of a broader trend of projects moving toward production as investors position to tap Africa’s estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources, Energy Capital & Power said.
In South Africa, Rio Tinto has approved a $473 million investment to extend the life of its Zulti South mineral sands project to 2050, while Tharisa has sanctioned a $547 million underground expansion at its Bushveld operations, the statement said.
A pipeline of projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Tanzania is also advancing toward potential investment decisions, including developments in lithium, platinum, gold and nickel, according to the release.
Energy Capital & Power said the growing number of FIDs reflects increasing investor interest as demand for critical minerals, particularly those linked to the energy transition, is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
The developments are expected to be a focus at African Mining Week 2026, where industry stakeholders will discuss investment opportunities and project pipelines across the continent.
