What is the importance of gold to South Africa?

Answer 1

On page 14 of the latest "Farmer's Weekly" there is an article on the pollution of Wonderfonteinspruit - and how the NNR warned farmers not to let their animals drink from the spruit or irrigate their crops with the water. It states "The radioactive contamination of surface-water bodies in the Wonderfonteinspruit catchment is caused by long-term mine water discharges, runoff and diffuse emissions of seepage from slimes dams". This has become a highly emotive issue for all - including farmers who stand to lose crops or livestock.

On the same page is a photo of "Wetland mining" with the caption: "The devastating impact of sand mining on the environment is clear in this photo of sand mining in the Cullinan district. Legally, mines are required to rehabilitate the area once mining operations are completed. However, even with rehabilitation, which to date has not been done here, removing this much soil from and eco-sensitive area leaves permanent damage. Because it is a wetland, the area is supposed to be protected by government. The debate around mine pollution and the destruction of the environment and the state's responsibility to regulate it, is heating up with activists saying it seems the minerals and energy department is being given free reign, with the environment playing second fiddle to profit. But, as one local says, what they fail to understand is that the short-term profits from unchecked mining will prove costly in the long term".

Farmers in polluted areas are among those having to pay the highest prices - with losses of crops and livestock. They cannot afford this. So government saying that mining and agriculture and tourism can exist together is obviously idealistic - not realistic. The truth is that mining pollutants impact these industries to the effect that is seen from the above two examples.

And while some are saying that environmental lobbyists must shut up now, the fact is that government plans to continue granting mining licenses in these eco-sensitive areas and the fact is also that it took over 7 years for officials to respond to the Wonderfontein contamination. The reality is that if environmentalists shut up, people continue to be poisoned while industry and govt look the other way.

See the related link.

Answer 2

South Africa

sells gold and diamonds all over the world and gets foreign exchange from that. For example Norway sell oil to get money and that money they use on other needed stuff they don’t have. That's just and example.

Answer 3

Visit www.sagoldplanning.co.za/history.htm for a history of goldmining in South Africa :)

Answer 4

because it is the worlds largest producer and exporter

Answer 5

Gold is one of South Africa's most important resources as it is found in relative abundance and therefore plays a significant role in supporting the economy of the country.

Answer 6

It's government and investors gain revenue.

Answer 7

i do not know onion

Answer 8

it provide employment to the people.