"Mostly mining, agriculture, timber, and biodiversity!" was the original answer. The correct answer is under this:
The Natural Resources of South Africa are: gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, and natural gas.
The First natrual resource sadly were the slaves. More than 11 MILLION slaves were brought from Africa to Europe then to the Newly formed United States in the early 1700's and late 1700's.The Natural resources were MAINLY diamonds in the18th century(and even present time, 2011). In 1884 and 1885 the Berlin Conference was formed so that the European countries would not spark a war because of the demand of Natural Resources(diamonds) in Africa.They also argued on who would control the Industry. Who ever claimed land as a country in Africa around this time MUST inform the European countries that they have claimed that territory. Throughout Africa the Europeans would create bases due to their advanced technology, which was The Steam Engine and the Maxim Gun.The idea of the steam engine, which Charles Parsons patented(thought of or created) in 1884, was not a new one. Hero of Alexandria had demonstrated a crude form of steam turbine around 130 BC.But the steam engine in 1884 was the customized version of the B.C Hero of Alexandria Steam Engine. The Steam Engine was an easier and quicker way of transport than the African tribes boats(Africans used a small wooden boat and paddle). The Africans may have out numbered the invading Europeans but the Europeans outgunned the Africans. That was due to the invention of the Maxim Gun. Invented by Sir Hiram S. Maxim in the U.S. in 1884, the Maxim Gun comprised the world's first automatic machine gun.
Diamonds, gold, and fossil fuels...
South Africa has a rich agriculture of wealthy crops and fruits...
South Africa is the Number 1 producer in Gold. They also produce Platinum, Silver, Tin , Metal, Copper, and Diamonds
Among the natural resources of South Africa are gold, platinum, coal, diamonds and over 40 other minerals. Timber is also plentiful.
The original Imperialists were seeking any valuable natural resources
South Africa's diamond industry is undergoing turbulent times.
plentiful natural resources
South Africa is one of the world's largest maize producers. Maize production contributes to a 36 percent majority of the gross value of South Africa's field crops.
Chrome, Diamonds, copper and fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas).
diamonds, gold
Poverty
The original Imperialists were seeking any valuable natural resources
Mostly diamonds.
uranium, gold, coal, diamond,
Gold and Diamonds
South Africa's diamond industry is undergoing turbulent times.
Yes. South Africa is richer than many other parts of Africa primarily due to the natural resources of the area.
I found some very helpful information about the History of South Africa, the industrialization, natural resources including gold an diamonds
The natural resources of the south are sweets, minerals, and more
Natural gas and oil
plentiful natural resources