What are some key natural resources in Southern Africa and what are their uses?
More information on the natural resources of Southern Africa
Image: This image is not creative commons, but it is being used for educational purposes. Although the source is not well-known the information from the image has been verified on numerous websites.
- Phosphates: used to grow food and crops
- Limestone: used to construct buildings// manufacture glass
- Cadmium: used for batteries
- Cobalt: used for batteries
- Copper: used to conduct heat
- Chromium: used for cars and bicycles
- Diamond: used for profit
- Gold: used for profit
- Manganese: used to improve resistance to corrosion
- Lead: used to make car batteries and weights
- Silver: used for a variety jewelry and silverware
- Sulfur: used in gunpowder and sulfuric acid
- Zinc: used to manufacture many products
More information on the natural resources of Southern Africa
Image: This image is not creative commons, but it is being used for educational purposes. Although the source is not well-known the information from the image has been verified on numerous websites.
Diamonds and Gold
Africa's two most profitable resources are diamonds and gold. South Africa alone provides more than half of the continent's gold output. Unfortunately, the competition for diamonds has sparked several major conflicts between countries. The blood diamond conflict has received a lot of attention over time because it affects people all across the world. Although many people automatically think of Sierra Leone as the main area of blood diamonds, the Republic of Congo also struggles with this issue immensely.
Image: Creative Commons | Creator: Cygig | Title: Pixabay
Africa's two most profitable resources are diamonds and gold. South Africa alone provides more than half of the continent's gold output. Unfortunately, the competition for diamonds has sparked several major conflicts between countries. The blood diamond conflict has received a lot of attention over time because it affects people all across the world. Although many people automatically think of Sierra Leone as the main area of blood diamonds, the Republic of Congo also struggles with this issue immensely.
Image: Creative Commons | Creator: Cygig | Title: Pixabay
Why should you care about blood diamonds? It is still an issue in current day Africa. Additionally, by purchasing diamonds from companies that get their diamonds from areas where blood diamonds are an issue, you are indirectly supporting the industry. It is so important to stay informed!