New fertiliser mines open up

Mining will continue to play a
dominant role in the African
economy despite calls for more
diversification.
Murray MacNab, global director
for mining and mine development
at WorleyParsons, said delivering
enough food for the world’s
growing population alone was
boosting the mining sector.
“There is no shortage of supply
of mining resources as the growing
world population continues to
drive the need for metals and
minerals.”
MacNab said new mining
opportunities were being identified
continuously.
The mining of fertiliser is one
example.
“Fertiliser is a new commodity
that is taking centre stage. It has
been discovered in Ethiopia and
Brazzaville and we are seeing new
mines opening up. As the demand
for more food to feed the world’s
growing population continues so
too will the demand for fertiliser
increase.”
He said one also had to
remember that mines by their very
nature were finite.
“Mines have a minimum of five
years and no more than 25 years
before they die.”