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| Gold mining in South Africa |
South Africa is well known for its diamonds but did you know a large percentage of all the gold in the world is in South Africa as well? Almost half of the gold contained on earth can be found in South Africa, unearthed. And for ages now, the people in South Africa has been depending on its natural gold reserves as a source of its country?s riches. Let?s look into the history of gold mining in South Africa to better understand the booming industry. |
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Mention Witwatersrand to someone who is enthusiastic about gold mining in South Africa and you will be met with a knowing glance - Witwatersrand is in fact one of the largest and most well known gold mines in South Africa. In the year 1867, a native stumbled upon a large rock which, upon closer inspection, was revealed to be a diamond. This caused a massive rush to the area where not only native South Africans but foreigners from all over the world traveled to Withwatersrand, South Africa to gather from the diamond fields. In the process, gold was also discovered near the Orange River and since then, the area has been known as a famous gold reserve spot in the region.
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However, this does not mean that a lot of people who are into the business of gold mining in South Africa are turned into overnight millionaires. Gold mining in South Africa is an expensive venture and not many can afford to maintain it. This led to many individuals selling their claims to affluent foreigners to make a quick buck, and as a result, the mines are controlled by outsiders who now hire the natives to work in the mines for very little money.
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