Mali’s mining sector continues to flourish. It seems that the political crisis has not deterred investors. Mali’s mineral sector is dominated by gold mining, the country being the third largest gold producer in Africa. In 2009, gold exports accounted for more than 80% of export earnings and roughly 8% of GDP. Other mineral resources included bauxite, iron ore, diamond, limestone, manganese, nickel, petroleum, phosphates, tin, and uranium. Mali’s petroleum potential is promising and research and exploration are stepping up. Mali could also provide a strategic transport route for oil and gas exports and there is the possibility of connecting the Taoudeni basin to the European market through Algeria.