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African School of Mines (ASM, USTTB)

About ASM

Developing Africa’s Future Leaders in Mining, Geoscience, and Sustainable Resource Management

The African School of Mines (ASM), based in Bamako, Mali, is a centre of excellence dedicated to advancing education, research, and professional capacity in mining, geology, mineral resources, and sustainable development. As a member of the African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) Network, ASM contributes to strengthening Africa’s expertise in one of the continent’s most strategic sectors.

The African School of Mines (ASM) was established to help address Africa’s growing need for highly skilled professionals in mining, earth sciences, and natural resource management. Located in Bamako, Mali, and operating within the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), the institution combines academic excellence with practical training to prepare graduates for leadership in the mining and extractive industries.

As part of the AIST Network, ASM contributes to the Nelson Mandela Institution’s vision of developing world-class centres of excellence that support Africa’s economic growth through science, engineering, and innovation.

Supporting Africa's Mineral Future

Africa possesses some of the world’s richest mineral resources. Unlocking their full potential requires skilled professionals, responsible governance, and sustainable management.

Within the AIST Network, ASM contributes by:

  • Developing highly skilled mining and geoscience professionals
  • Promoting responsible and sustainable resource management
  • Advancing research in earth sciences and mineral exploration
  • Strengthening technical capacity across the mining sector
  • Supporting innovation within Africa’s extractive industries

Through these efforts, ASM helps ensure that Africa’s natural resources contribute to long-term economic development and shared prosperity.

Academic excellence

ASM combines rigorous scientific education with practical field experience and industry engagement. Students are equipped with the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional competencies needed to address the evolving challenges of the mining and natural resources sector while promoting environmentally responsible and socially sustainable practices.

Its interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across engineering, environmental science, geology, and resource management.

Building Capacity for Sustainable Development

Beyond technical training, ASM contributes to strengthening institutional capacity across Africa’s mining sector. Its graduates support governments, research institutions, regulatory agencies, and private industry by applying scientific knowledge and engineering expertise to improve resource governance and promote sustainable development.

Through its participation in the AIST Network, ASM reinforces the Nelson Mandela Institution’s commitment to developing interconnected centres of excellence that address Africa’s most important development priorities.

Areas of Focus

ASM’s education and research activities focus on disciplines essential to the responsible development of Africa’s mineral resources, including:

  • Mining Engineering
  • Geology and Earth Sciences
  • Mineral Exploration
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Natural Resource Governance
  • Sustainable Mining Practices
  • Mineral Processing
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Innovation in Extractive Industries

These focus areas reflect the institution’s commitment to supporting responsible resource development while contributing to Africa’s industrial growth.

Research and Innovation

Research at ASM supports the sustainable exploration, extraction, and management of Africa’s mineral resources. The institution promotes collaboration between academia, government, industry, and international partners to develop innovative approaches that improve mining practices, environmental stewardship, worker safety, and resource efficiency.

By encouraging applied research and knowledge exchange, ASM contributes to building a mining sector that balances economic opportunity with environmental and social responsibility.

Quick Facts

Established

2007

Location

Bamako, Mali

Institution Type

School of Mines within
USTTB

Network

African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST)

Focus

Mining, Geoscience & Sustainable Resource Management

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

The African School of Mines (ASM) is a higher education institution based in Bamako, Mali, specializing in mining, geology, earth sciences, and sustainable resource management. As a member of the African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST) Network, it contributes to strengthening Africa’s capacity in the extractive industries.

No. The African School of Mines operates within the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) in Mali. Through this institutional arrangement, it contributes specialized education and research in mining and geosciences while participating in the broader AIST Network.

As a member of the AIST Network, ASM supports the Nelson Mandela Institution’s vision by developing skilled professionals, advancing applied research, and promoting sustainable management of Africa’s mineral resources. Its work strengthens scientific and technical capacity in a sector that is critical to the continent’s economic development.

Africa is rich in mineral resources that play a significant role in economic growth and industrial development. Institutions like ASM help prepare professionals who can manage these resources responsibly, promote sustainable mining practices, and support innovation across the extractive sector.

ASM brings specialized expertise in mining engineering, geology, mineral exploration, and resource governance to the AIST Network. Its focus on sustainable resource development complements the strengths of the other member institutions, contributing to a diverse network of centres of excellence that collectively address Africa’s scientific, technological, and development priorities.

Learn More About ASM

Explore more about the African School of Mines and its role within USTTB by visiting the official university website.