As the world’s most mineral-rich continent, it is only natural that Africa’s mining industry is one of the biggest employers, generating millions of direct and indirect jobs.

What often gets overlooked is the fact that mines, be they coal mines or iron ore mines, are usually located in remote rural areas where the local populations have very few employment prospects. But when mining operations commence in a rural area, they not only create employment opportunities for thousands in the region, but they also lead to infrastructure development. Roads, schools and hospitals are built in places which otherwise would see little or no development. Mining communities benefit from better healthcare and education facilities.

In Africa, the mining industry directly employs over 1.2million people. But the indirect jobs created by mining is more than triple this number. That’s because when a mining company invests in a project, it creates an increased demand for goods and services from other industries.

Over 3.8 million people are employed in the transportation, construction, equipment manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics, shipping and other industries to support mining operations in Africa. Engineers, lawyers, accountants and other professionals also find employment as mining also needs the services of various professionals, either directly or indirectly.

Mining companies in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo create the greatest number of mining jobs in Africa. What’s more, over 90,000 miners are employed by coal mines in South Africa alone.

The impact of mining on the African economy is also significant. The industry accounts for 7% of GDP and 15% of exports on the African continent. It is also a major source of tax revenue for the African governments. Thus it is easy to see how mining plays a critical role in Africa’s economy and progress.