USSAS Responds to AIDS
HomeOur VisionAbout the ProgramProgram HistoryParticipating InstitutionsProgram Alumni

Contribute to Our Cause
USSAS Student At Work
USSAS Students at Work
USSAS Student at Work
USSAS Student at Work

South African Gold Mining

South Africa is now the world’s largest gold producer, in spite of production having fallen to its lowest level since 1956. The largest area is The Archaean Witwatersrand Basin, a massive sedimentary basin bearing conglomerates over 400k wide. Scholarships are needed to fund student research and development to search for ways to increase the gold industry’s productivity. The deep level of South African mines greatly contributes to the highest production costs in the industry. Gold is the largest mineral foreign income earner, compromising over half of South Africa. Consolidation of South Africa’s mining industry has become vital in order to maintain the country’s status as a leading global gold producer.

For more information about Gold Mining in South Africa, visit the following links:

Chamber of Mines of South Africa

All kinds of useful information about South Africa’s Mining Operations, including statistics, media information, and educational resources.

Harmony – The Largest Gold Mining Production Facility in South Africa

With a production in excess of 4 million ounces of gold, Harmony is the largest gold producer in South Africa and the fifth largest in the world.

A Mbendi Profile of Gold Mining in South Africa

South Africa is the world’s largest gold producer. 95% of South Africa’s gold mines are underground operations, reaching depths of over 3.8 km. Coupled with declining grades, increased depth of mining and a slide in the gold price, costs have begun to rise and as a result production has been steadily falling.

GoldSheet Mining Directory

A worldwide directory of many of the world’s largest mining companies and operations.

The South African Gold Mining Industry

An informative piece about the profitability of gold mining is South Africa.

Driefontein – A large South African Gold Mining Operation

Driefontein is a conventional South African underground mine. It comprises eight operating shaft systems which access the ore. Shafts 1, 2, 4 and 5 access the eastern part of the mine while shafts 5, 6 and 7 access the west part. As the west part is depleted, production will be maintained by increased use of 1 and 5 shafts.

go back to Mining page

go to Diamonds page

go to Coal page


Contact USSAS
How You Can Help
Anti-Apartheid Hall of Fame
Frequently Asked Questions
Links to Related Sites
Friends of the Program
Site Map
Privacy Policy

News
Tourism
History
Education
Business
Mining
Sports
Music
Politics
Science
Unions
Maps
Great Writers of South Africa


USSAS Home  -   USSAS Responds to AIDS  -   Contribute To Our Cause

Contact USSAS  -   Our Vision  -   About the Program  -   Program History

Participating Institutions  -   Program Alumni  -   South African University Administrators  -   Anti-Apartheid Hall of Fame

Frequently Asked Questions  -   Links to Related Sites  -   Friends of the Program  -   Site Map  -   Privacy Policy

All About South Africa:    Education  -   History  -   News  -   Tourism  -   Business  -   Politics

Sports  -   Music  -   Great Writers  -   Science  -   Mining  -   Unions  -   Maps



© 2004 - USSAS - All Rights Reserved

Web Site Design, Hosting and Optimization by Positronic Design