African Mineral Resource Sourcing
Bendigo Energy supports global clients in sourcing lithium ore, titanium ore, manganese ore, coal and other mineral resources from key African markets through local coordination, supplier communication and international trade support.
Lithium Ore in Africa
Africa is becoming an increasingly important region for lithium resources, driven by global demand for batteries and energy storage. Major lithium opportunities are found in countries such as Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many projects are still in the development or expansion stage, while governments are increasingly encouraging local processing rather than simple raw ore exports. Zimbabwe, for example, has announced tighter rules on lithium concentrate exports from 2027.
Key sourcing countries: Zimbabwe, DRC, Mali, Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia
Main use: Batteries, energy storage, EV supply chains, lithium chemicals
Titanium Ore in Africa
Africa has strong titanium mineral sand resources, especially in Mozambique, Madagascar, Senegal, South Africa and Kenya. Titanium minerals such as ilmenite and rutile are mainly used for titanium dioxide pigment, industrial materials and high-performance applications. Mozambique, Madagascar and Senegal are among key ilmenite sources, while South Africa and Kenya are important rutile suppliers.
Key sourcing countries: Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Main use: Titanium dioxide pigment, industrial coatings, plastics, aerospace-related materials, high-performance alloys
Manganese Ore in Africa
Africa plays a major role in the global manganese market, with South Africa and Gabon among the most important producers. Manganese is widely used in steelmaking, alloy production and battery-related applications. Several African countries are also moving toward greater local beneficiation, with Gabon planning to restrict raw manganese exports from 2029 to capture more value domestically.
Key sourcing countries: South Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso
Main use: Steelmaking, ferroalloys, silicomanganese production, battery materials
Coal in Africa
Coal remains an important industrial and energy resource in Africa, especially in South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana. South Africa is still the dominant producer and uses a large share of its coal domestically for power and industrial demand. At the same time, Mozambique and Botswana continue to attract interest for coal resource development and export-oriented opportunities, although logistics, infrastructure and environmental considerations remain key factors.
Key sourcing countries: South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia
Main use: Power generation, industrial fuel, cement, steel-related thermal processes, bulk commodity trading