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.

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.

The mining industry is a primary economic contributor. In 2022 the industry’s contribution to GDP was R483.3 billion; royalties amounted to R14.9 billion; and employment rose to approximately 470,000 direct jobs.

South African mining is a significant contributor to employment, with 469 353 individuals directly employed by the sector in 2022. In total, these employees earned R174.2 billion. In terms of the 1:10 multiplier effect – for every one employee in the mining industry, ten other employment opportunities are created, and based on the estimate that every employee supports between 5 and 10 dependants, the industry supports around 4.5 million people.