(a) On an outline map of West Africa, show:
(i) one area each in a different country, important for diamond, petroleum and gold
(ii) one important town in each area
(iii) one route from the producing area to the port of export for each mineral
(b) Describe one method of mining any one of the minerals in (a) above
(c) Highlight four problems associated with mining in West Africa
Explanation
(b) One method of mining petroleum is drilling:
(i) The underground rocks are sampled and tested for traces of oil
(ii) When oil is discovered, a well is sunk to reach it by the help of a drilling rig or derrick
(iii) The oil is then pumped out
(iv) A system of valves called “Christmas tree” is created to control the flow into tanks
(c) Four problems associated with mining in West Africa;
(i) Lack of fund
(ii) Lack of technical know-how
(iii) Absence of minerals
(iv) Lack of sources of efficient and reliable power