Digging deep

Learn all about mining in South Africa - from what we dig for to the impact it has on our daily lives

- SUSAN SAMUEL

SOUTH Africa is the top mineral-producing country in Africa. Together with Nigeria, Algeria, Angola and Libya, SA produces more than two thirds of Africa’s mineral output. In 2022, the total revenue of the South African mining industry was R747 billion. That’s a lot of money! But it’s not all good news. Let’s look a bit closer at mining in South Africa, and the toll it can take on the land and the people.

MINERALS IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a mineral-rich country. Besides gold and diamonds, there are reserves of platinum, iron ore, chrome, copper, silver and manganese. In total, there are 22 minerals mined here. South Africa is the top producer of platinum, chrome and manganese in the world. Until 2006 it was also the world’s largest producer of gold, but as of 2022 South Africa is the eighth largest producer.

Despite many positive points, there are some challenges facing mining companies in South Africa which may explain a decline in production over time.

Crime is a major hindrance to mining companies in the country. Organised crime attacks on mining facilities, theft of infrastructure and illegal mining cost the industry billions of rands every year. The power crisis faced by South Africa means there is an irregular and unpredictable supply of electricity, which makes operating mines safely and efficiently very difficult. Then there are logistical issues such as delays in the issuing of permits and problems with the railway service, which can cause mining to grind to a halt.