Mining Africa: Top Minerals by Country and Where Plastic Core Trays Fit In

Africa is home to some of the richest mineral reserves on Earth, spanning everything from gold and copper to cobalt, graphite, and lithium. These resources are not just critical to local economies—they play a vital role in the global supply chain of everything from electronics to energy transition technologies. But with great resource wealth comes the challenge of proper exploration and sampling infrastructure. One often-overlooked tool in this process? The humble core tray.

Plastic core trays, particularly those made from durable, UV-stabilized, and recyclable polymers, are transforming how geological samples are preserved and analyzed across the continent. Let’s explore where Africa’s mining hotspots are and how core trays fit into their exploration operations.

Africa’s Mineral Wealth: An Overview

Africa accounts for a significant share of the world’s mineral supply:

• Gold: Ghana, South Africa, Mali, Sudan

• Copper & Cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia

• Lithium: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mali

• Platinum Group Metals: South Africa

• Graphite & Rare Earths: Mozambique, Madagascar, Burundi

These minerals are extracted through extensive exploration programs that begin with core drilling. Each sample—recovered deep from the earth—is only as useful as the tools used to protect it.

Plastic core trays offer geologists and field teams a consistent, durable, and efficient means of collecting, transporting, and archiving these valuable samples.

Gold-Rich Regions and Core Tray Adoption

Gold remains one of Africa’s most widely mined and explored resources. Countries like Ghana, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Mali lead in both production and new discoveries.

Why plastic core trays are widely adopted here:

• High drilling volumes mean tens of thousands of meters of core are extracted—stackable trays simplify logistics.

• Moisture and humidity, especially in equatorial regions, demand non-rotting and UV-resistant storage options.

• Plastic trays outperform wooden ones, which can absorb water, attract pests, and degrade quickly in the field.

In Ghana, for instance, exploration teams operating in the Asankrangwa Gold Belt have switched to plastic trays due to the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and limited storage infrastructure. Their lightweight construction and integrated drainage design are particularly helpful during the wet season.

Cobalt and Copper in Central Africa

Central Africa is synonymous with high-grade copper and cobalt—critical components in electric vehicles and battery technology. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia form the heart of the Central African Copperbelt.

Key core storage needs in this region:

• Heavy and dense cores from deeper holes require reinforced trays that won’t buckle or warp under weight.

• Plastic trays with ribbed bottoms and reinforced handles prevent sample loss during handling and transport.

• Wooden trays still used in some rural projects, often due to lower upfront costs or supply constraints.

However, plastic trays’ longevity (5+ years) and recyclability make them more cost-effective over time—particularly in wet conditions where mold, rust, and tray collapse are risks.

Lithium and Graphite: The New Energy Frontier

As the world races toward decarbonization, Africa’s lithium and graphite resources have drawn global attention. From Zimbabwe’s Bikita lithium deposit to Mali’s Bougouni project and Namibia’s growing hard rock lithium prospects, exploration activity is surging.

Why plastic core trays work best here:

• Lightweight structure helps with mobility across remote, mountainous terrain.

• Resilience to brine environments and moisture exposure helps protect core integrity.

• UV-stabilized material preserves samples exposed to long sun hours during surface logging.

Given the strategic nature of these minerals, proper core management is essential. Trays must protect both physical core and the valuable data it holds. Plastic trays do both while also aligning with ESG principles.

Underutilized Opportunities: Where Plastic Trays Could Help

Despite their advantages, plastic trays remain underused in parts of Africa. Some reasons include:

• Lack of local suppliers or affordable access to imported trays

• Perception of higher cost, especially in smaller exploration startups

• Reliance on legacy systems using wood or metal due to familiarity

Where plastic trays can make an impact:

• Mozambique & Madagascar: Graphite exploration requires water-resistant storage due to tropical rainfall.

• Tanzania & Ethiopia: Gold and rare earth projects can benefit from high-volume tray stacking and labeling systems.

• Burundi & Gabon: Plastic trays improve safety and durability in jungle or forested terrain.

For companies operating across borders, the cost of replacing damaged or warped wooden trays far exceeds the initial investment in quality plastic alternatives.

Climate Matters: Choosing the Right Tray for African Terrain

Africa’s geology is as diverse as its climates. Exploration teams often face extreme conditions:

• Equatorial regions (e.g., DRC, Cameroon): High humidity and rainfall—requiring trays with integrated drainage and mold resistance.

• Desert environments (e.g., Namibia, Egypt): UV-stabilized plastic is critical to prevent warping or fading under direct sunlight.

• Highlands and tropical savannahs (e.g., Rwanda, Malawi): Lightweight, ergonomic trays simplify field transport over rugged terrain.

Plastic trays with reinforced edges, drainage ports, and molded grips offer consistent performance across all of these conditions—something wood and metal struggle to match.

Africa’s Growing Exploration Needs a Better Tray

Africa’s mineral wealth is no longer just about extraction—it’s about responsible, efficient, and sustainable development. Whether the goal is to power the energy transition with lithium and cobalt, or fuel the global economy with gold and copper, every exploration project begins with a drill core—and every drill core deserves secure handling.

Plastic core trays offer unmatched durability, lighter logistics, weather resistance, and compatibility with global environmental goals. As more African projects move from exploration to production, investing in the right sampling infrastructure from day one is no longer optional—it’s essential.