South African Gold Mining Industry

The South African gold mining industry is one of the largest and oldest in the world, having shaped the country's economy and history. Gold was first discovered in the 1880s, leading to significant economic growth and an influx of workers. South Africa is known for its deep-level mining, where miners extract gold from underground deposits. Challenges include rising production costs, labor disputes, and environmental concerns. Despite these issues, the industry remains vital, contributing to exports and employment, although its prominence has declined as other countries have increased their gold production.