Final answer:
The Sahel kingdoms were important due to their control over the trans-Saharan trade routes, and their wealth came from taxing and controlling the trade of valuable commodities like salt and gold. Most of the region's gold mines were located in the southern savanna woodland, including areas like Bambuk, Akan forest, and the Upper Niger floodplain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of the Sahel Kingdoms
The kingdoms of the Sahel, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, played a high importance due to their control over the trans-Saharan trade routes. These kingdoms became wealthy by taxing and controlling the trade of valuable commodities like salt and gold. They served as major centers of commerce, connecting the north and south, and their control over the trade routes allowed them to accumulate wealth and exert political power.
Location of Sahel's Gold Mines
Most of the region's gold mines were located in the southern savanna woodland, specifically in areas such as Bambuk, Akan forest (present-day Ghana), and the Upper Niger floodplain. These areas were known for their abundant gold deposits, and the trade in gold was a significant source of wealth for the Sahel kingdoms.