The chapter delves into the concept of ‘mining urbanisation’ in sub-Saharan Africa, exploring how migration to mining towns shapes urban development. It analyses case studies from Angola, the DRC and Zambia, highlighting the complexities of urbanisation in mining areas and the various academic debates and disciplines involved. It looks at both large-scale and artisanal mining, each influencing urban development differently. The chapter highlights how economic opportunities and security drive migration, with both pull and push factors at play. On the other hand, it demonstrates that urban migrants primarily seek formal employment in mining towns, while rural migrants are more numerous in artisanal mining sites. Infrastructure emerges as crucial for the consolidation of mining towns, influenced by residents’ intentions to stay and economic opportunities, which is also why towns exhibit both temporary and permanent characteristics. Finally, the article analyses how mining towns are connected to wider economies, with residents investing in other areas, contributing to urban development elsewhere.