Abandoning the Hunt for Gems

Fruit Farming Seen As a Viable Alternative To Mining

In Africa where four out of ten adults and almost half of the youth are unemployed, those who have jobs – no matter how gruelling they can be – are considered very fortunate. However, some members of Africa’s work force are in danger of being pushed out of the mining industry after Anglo American Platinum or Amplats, touted as the world’s largest primary producer of platinum, has announced its intention to cut over 3,000 jobs to restore profits. Those who felt anger and frustration over Amplats’ decision organized a 13-day strike, which only drew to a close after Amplats offered voluntary severance packages to their grief-stricken wage-earners.

Renewable Energy in Africa

As the need for safe and clean energy sources increases, the trend for generating renewable energy sources is also continuing to emerge. Renewable energy sources are nature-based, which means that it is sourced from natural processes, such as rains, waves, sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat. According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy accounts for 16% of the world's total energy consumption. Renewable energy is mainly used in developing countries, mainly in rural areas where access to commercial energy is limited.