Mineral industry of Africa in 2005 from 16.1% in 2004. In 2005, the principal mineral targets in Africa were copper, diamond, gold, and platinum group metals (PGM). African countries that experienced the highest levels of exploration activity in 2005 were, in descending order based on the number of exploration sites as compiled by the USGS, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Zambia, but activity took place in a number of other countries. Gold accounted for approximately 51% of reported African exploration projects, diamond accounted for about 14%, copper and PGM each accounted for about 11%, and nickel accounted for 5%. Early stage projects accounted
Roderick S. McCook Roderick S. McCook Commander Roderick Sheldon McCook (10 March 1839 – 13 February 1886) was an officer in the United States Navy. He was a member of the famed family of American Civil War soldiers and sailors, the "Fighting McCooks." Born at New Lisbon, Ohio, McCook was appointed midshipman 21 September 1854. From 1859 to 1861, he cruised off the coast of Africa, searching for and capturing slavers. During the Civil War, he served in "Minnesota" (1861), "Stars and Stripes" (1862), and "Canonicus" (1863–65). As executive officer of latter ship, he participated in operations along the James River and in