About mining in South Africa


The South African mining industry is most well-known for its gold, diamonds, platinum and coal resources. But the country is also host to chrome, iron ore, manganese, vanadium, titanium and a number of other lesser minerals.

Mining has played a pivotal role in the country’s economic development and continues to do so to this day. In 2016, the mining industry contributed R304.4 billion to GDP; paid R3.7 billion in royalties; employed around 460,000 people (who supported around 4.5 million dependants); paid employees R120 billion in earnings; and spent R211.8 billion on goods and services.

South African mining is a significant contributor to employment, with 457,332 individuals directly employed by the sector in 2016. In total, these employees earned R120 billion. Based on the estimate that every employee supports between 5 and 10 dependants, the industry supports around 4.5 million people.