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Mining in South Africa is considered as the most powerful source of industrial development of the country. South Africa has rich mineral resources and is best known as one of the world’s leading raw material exporters. Most of the country’s industries have developed around mining. South Africa possess some of the most expensive and valuable raw materials such as gold, platinum and diamond. Other minerals include chromium, manganese, uranium, vanadium, coal and iron ore.
As far as mining and the volume of the export is concerned, South Africa stands in number one position for the production of platinum, chromium, manganese and vanadium.
Gold Mining in South Africa
Inspite of all the other raw materials mined in the country, gold mining is still the number one on the chart. The Witwatersrand region produces 40% of the world’s total gold production. But it involves a large amount of technical expenditure as the stone that bears the gold exists nearly 4,000 meters below the ground. Over the few years the demand of gold has reduced surprisingly across the world, which caused disorder in South African economy. But recently the country has succeeded in bringing back its stable economic condition.
Platinum Mining in South Africa
The north western part of the country is famous for platinum mining. 94% of South African platinum comes from this region. Five platinum group producing mines are located in the Rustenburg region.
In this context it must be mentioned that the country is not far behind in producing one of the most valuable stones, diamond. Koster, Lichtenburg, Bloemhof and Christiana are the places where diamonds are mined.
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