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ABOUT MINING IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is a world leader in mining. The country is famous for its abundance of metals and minerals, accounting for a significant proportion of world production and reserves.
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The word coal comes from the Old English col, meaning glowing ember.
Coal is formed when dead plant matter decays into peat and over millions of years the heat and pressure of deep burial converts the peat into coal.
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Production
MILLION TONNES
This website, developed by the Minerals Council South Africa (Minerals Council), which supports and promotes the South African mining industry, provides resources for teachers and learners to reinforce, enhance and extend learning.
The content aligns with the Grade 12 Economic Geography of South Africa: Mining section of the South African Department of Basic Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
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Welcome to the Minerals Council’s Mining for Schools website.
This site provides comprehensive information and support materials on mining to help give grades 10 to 12 learners a greater knowledge of the mining sector; its history; and its contribution to South Africa and our economy.
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People have always been attracted to beautiful objects. Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since ancient times.
Diamond mining has been taking place in South Africa for almost 150 years. But the sector is far from reaching the end of its life.
MoreThe discovery of gold was a turning point in South African history, and South Africa’s total gold reserves remain some of the world’s most valuable.
Gold mining in South Africa continues to be a major contributor to the economy and the establishment of the nation’s infrastructure.
MoreSouth Africa is a world leader in mining. The country is famous for its abundance of metals and minerals, accounting for a significant proportion of world production and reserves.
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