Africa’s endowments of minerals are of world significance. The continent possesses more than 40 percent of the world’s reserves of Platinum Group Minerals (PGMs), phosphate, gold, cobalt, vanadium, vermiculite,chromite, manganese, and diamonds.

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Africa ranks first in the production of platinum, gold, chromite, vanadium, cobalt, and diamonds. Reserves of other minerals are also important. Africa’s importance as a source of oil, gas and other energy resources is increasing. In 2006, its gas and oil reserves were about 7.9 and 8.6 percent of the world’s total, while production was at 10 and 8 percent of the world’s production, respectively.

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The continent also produces about 16 percent of the world’s uranium. Coal resources are concentrated in Southern Africa, with South Africa accounting for five percent of proven world coal resources and 98 percent of Africa’s output.

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