"Examining the ritual meaning of mining--which focuses on African relations with territorial spirits--[D'Avignon] brings a rich new perspective to understanding the mining industry, which considers Africans as intellectual actors, not just exploited laborers who were forced to work in European-owned mines because of land alienation. Recommended."--E. S. Schmidt "Choice" (4/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)
"Historians of geology, anthropologists focused on mining, and anyone interested in the relationship between West Africa's futures and its longue durée will all find this book tremendously valuable."--Tom Özden-Schilling "American Ethnologist" (3/28/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"It is a rare to read a book that is, at once, innovative in its methodology, provocative in its argument, convincing in its claims and evidentiary foundations, and beautifully written throughout. ... [D'Avignon's] book testifies to the complex and often moving insights that can be gained from approaching peoples and places, of the past and of the present, with humble curiosity and a profound sense of shared humanity."

--Emily Lynn Osborn "Journal of African History" (12/9/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"D'Avignon illuminates the complex narrative of African knowledge production and resource extraction using thick ethnographic descriptions, oral and life histories, and archival sources. ... [The] book is refreshing and provokes debates about African artisanal miners and local knowledge."

--Jabulani Shaba "H-Environment, H-Net Reviews" (1/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)
"The foremost contribution of A Ritual Geology is the representation of African miners as intellectual actors. . . . A Ritual Geology is impressive. It is crucial reading for anthropologists and historians looking to understand decolonial methodologies. It should also find a readership among actors who intervene in mining worlds, be it as corporate employees, state officials or development agencies."--Dr Dagna Rams "LSE Review of Books" (2/7/2023 12:00:00 AM)