(a) On a sketch map of Africa, show and name: (i) two areas important for a named fuel mineral, each in a different country (ii) two areas important for a n...
Question 1 Report
(a) On a sketch map of Africa, show and name:
(i) two areas important for a named fuel mineral, each in a different country
(ii) two areas important for a named metallic mineral, each in a different country
(iii) one major town in each area
(b) Highlight any fours problems facing mining in Africa
Answer Details
As shown on the sketch map above, the following mineral-producing areas and towns should be correctly located and labelled:
| Mineral type | Named mineral | Important area | Country | Major town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel mineral | Petroleum | Niger Delta | Nigeria | Port Harcourt |
| Fuel mineral | Petroleum | Sirte Basin | Libya | Brega |
| Metallic mineral | Gold | Obuasi goldfield | Ghana | Obuasi |
| Metallic mineral | Gold | Witwatersrand | South Africa | Johannesburg |
(b) Problems facing mining in Africa
- Inadequate capital: Mining requires large sums of money for exploration, purchase of machinery, construction of mines and provision of transport facilities. Many African countries depend on foreign investors for finance.
- High cost of production: Deep mining, expensive equipment, fuel costs, poor roads and the need to provide electricity and water increase the cost of extracting minerals.
- Inadequate skilled labour: There is often a shortage of trained geologists, engineers, technicians and mine managers. This may lead to dependence on expatriate workers.
- Fluctuation in world mineral prices: The prices of minerals such as crude oil, gold, copper and diamonds may fall on the world market, reducing mining profits and government revenue.
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