Extractive industries in the minerals and energy sectors are currently driving economic growth in West Africa. Mining is expected to expand due to the continent’s abundant natural resources, which include petroleum, diamonds, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, and silver. Mining expansion has a knock-on effect on transportation, infrastructure, and information and communication technology (ICT). Because 19 African countries are big oil producers, the oil and gas industry has become a key sector for the continent’s economic growth.
Mining is a diverse industry that employs scientists, engineers, geologists, surveyors, drillers, computer and communications technology specialists, power plant operators, and human resource managers. Engineering, geology, science, and economics are all important fields of study.
- Surveyor – While surveyor positions have changed dramatically in recent years, from canvassing mining territory on foot over the course of a few weeks to mapping an area via drone in a matter of hours, the job is still very much alive and well in the mining industry.
- Occupational Health and Safety – OHS roles are quite diverse and in high demand across the continent. Roles in this field are a safe bet because safety is a primary focus for any good mining company.
- Metallurgist – Metallurgists are essential to the mining industry’s processing segment due to their knowledge of the characteristics of various precious metals and how to treat them so that they are usable. They often earn in the same range as engineers.
