In 2025, Africa\u2019s top gold mines’ output declined. Africa\u2019s five largest gold mines produced a combined output of 2.87 million ounces of gold, equivalent to roughly 89.3 tons; a decline from 3.45 million ounces the previous year. The drop highlights operational and geopolitical pressures on the continent\u2019s mining sector, with disruptions ranging from labour adjustments to regulatory disputes, alongside natural ore variability at established mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Democratic Republic of Congo: Kibali Reclaims the Lead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kibali, operated jointly by Barrick Mining and AngloGold Ashanti in the Democratic Republic of Congo, returned to Africa\u2019s top spot after falling to third place in 2024. The mine produced 674,000 ounces in 2025, down roughly 2% year-on-year, but enough to surpass Ghana\u2019s Ahafo South. The site\u2019s rebound underscores both its scale and its operational resilience, aided by extensive mechanized underground and open-pit infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barrick projects that Kibali could produce up to 688,900 ounces in 2026, reflecting ongoing investment in ore processing capacity, automation, and exploration. The mine remains a critical asset in Barrick\u2019s African portfolio, combining high-grade ore bodies with a logistics network capable of supporting consistent throughput despite regional challenges such as energy supply and transport bottlenecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ghana: Ahafo South Slides to Second<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ahafo South, operated by U.S.-based Newmont, produced 664,000 ounces, a sharp drop from 798,000 ounces in 2024. The decline illustrates both geological variability and the operational pressures of maintaining ageing infrastructure while expanding new extraction fronts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ghana\u2019s second-place finish is also influenced by regional competition and interruptions elsewhere, including Mali\u2019s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, which remained largely idle due to disputes with the Malian government. Newmont projects further declines at Ahafo South, with 2026 output forecast at approximately 440,000 ounces, pointing to a broader need for infrastructure upgrades and cost management across legacy operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mali: Fekola Steps Up<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fekola, operated by Canada\u2019s B2Gold, emerged as Mali\u2019s representative in the top three, producing 530,769 ounces in 2025, in line with targets and marking a 35% increase from 2024. The mine demonstrates how greenfield investments and modern milling techniques can offset regional disruptions elsewhere, including the absence of Loulo-Gounkoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite strong performance in 2025, Fekola\u2019s guidance for 2026 is capped at 460,000 ounces. Maintaining top-three status will depend on operational efficiency, ore body stability, and the pace of Loulo-Gounkoto\u2019s restart, which could shift regional production dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mauritania: Tasiast Maintains Fourth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mauritania\u2019s Tasiast mine, operated by Kinross Gold, retained its fourth-place position with 503,429 ounces, reflecting a 19% decline from the previous year. Tasiast\u2019s production profile highlights the challenges of deepening open-pit operations while controlling cost structures in a high-energy and capital-intensive extraction environment. Kinross anticipates broadly stable output in 2026, emphasizing continuity in processing capacity and logistical supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n