Gold and salt was plentiful in Ancient West Africa. Salt can be found in the Sahara desert. This desert is expansive and covers about 25% of the African continent making salt easy to find. Salt was mined out of small caves where there were slabs or in surface deposits. On the other hand, gold mines were constructed near large empires where trade was nearby. After being mined both of these resources were transported by camel across the Sahara and onto trade routes to be bought and sold.

Gold and salt were frequently used in the West African region. Gold was a common currency used and was either made into dust or coins. Gold dust was used for smaller purchases like metals and crops. Gold coins were used for more substantial purchases between rulers that could improve their armies, allowing them to take over more land. Salt had less of an economical use in day to day life. Salt was used as a natural preservative for foods and added taste to bland foods.

At this time, there were three main empires that prospered due to mining and trade. First, the Empire of Ghana possessed numerous gold mines and used the profits for building protection and walls. Next, the Empire of Mali was ruled by the great and rich ruler, Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa acquired his wealth from gold and salt mines. Mansa Musa used his riches to develop new cities and to obtain more resources. Lastly, the Songhai Empire used their control on the Trans-Saharan trade route to easily develop an army that would help grow the Empire even more.