Economic Geography:Gold Mining in South Africa

Gold Mining Locations in South Africa

Gauteng, North-West, Free State

Gold Mining Method in South Africa

Deep-level shaft mining

Main Uses of Gold

• Jewellery (78% of gold use);

• Finances & investment (currency, Krugerrand coin);

• Dentistry & medicine (fillings, implants, pacemakers);

• Electronics (cell phones, TVs, GPS, calculators);

• Aerospace (lubrication, special components);

• Recognition (Olympic medals, wedding rings, trophies)

Factors Favouring Gold Mining in South Africa

• Large reserves of gold;

• Skilled & unskilled labour available;

• Power supply from coal;

• Good infrastructure (roads, rail, harbours);

• Local & international markets;

• Local & foreign investment capital;

• Supportive government policy

Factors Hindering Gold Mining in South Africa

• Far from the coast (higher import/export costs);

• Very expensive (deep-level mining);

• Dependence on foreign markets;

• Fluctuating global gold prices;

• High water costs & shortages;

• Unreliable electricity supply;

• Pollution (dust, water, mine dumps);

• High underground temperatures

Economic Contribution of Gold Mining in South Africa

• Source of foreign income through exports;

• Employs ~500,000 people;

• Supplies raw materials for manufacturing;

• Mines pay taxes (funding development);

• Income helps build infrastructure (roads, rail, harbours);

• Led to development of mining cities

Environmental Injustices of Gold Mining

• Mine dumps release dust into the air;

• Slime dams contaminate groundwater;

• Cyanide & mercury pollution in land & water;

• Sinkholes/rock falls when underground caves collapse

Social Injustices of Gold Mining

• Illnesses: TB & HIV from poor working conditions;

• Unsafe: frequent injuries & deaths underground;

• Noise: constant exposure → hearing loss