Which of the following countries in West Africa is well known for the production of diamonds?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which West African country is well known for diamond production.

Step 2: Explain the concept Diamonds are found in alluvial (river gravel) and kimberlite deposits. In West Africa, the main diamond-producing countries are:

• Sierra Leone: famous for alluvial diamonds, especially in Kono district, Kenema, and Koidu. It is also known for the "Star of Sierra Leone" (969.8 carats), one of the largest gem diamonds ever found.
• Ghana: Akwatia is a major diamond-producing area.
• Guinea and Liberia also produce some diamonds.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Togo: known for phosphate, not diamonds.
• B. Burkina Faso: known mainly for gold and manganese.
• C. Sierra Leone: well known for diamonds. ✔
• D. Benin: known for cotton, limestone, and offshore oil in the past, not diamonds.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. Sierra Leone (spelled "siera leone" in the question).

Tip: Link each country to its key mineral:

• Sierra Leone → diamonds (also rutile and bauxite)
• Ghana → gold (also diamonds, manganese, bauxite)
• Nigeria → crude oil, tin (Jos Plateau), columbite
• Guinea → bauxite
• Togo → phosphate
• Liberia → iron ore

A handy phrase: "Sierra Leone shines with diamonds."