The mining industry in South Africa experienced significant growth in 2022. The total income reached R906.7 billion, marking a 21.2% annual increase compared to 2019’s R509.8 billion.
Income Breakdown by Mining Sector
Platinum Group Metal Ore Leads
Platinum group metal ore mining earned the largest share of income in 2022. It contributed R373.2 billion, which is 41.2% of the total income.
Coal and Iron Ore Follow
Coal and lignite mining generated R198.9 billion, making up 21.9% of the total income. Iron ore mining followed with R119.2 billion, accounting for 13.2% of the total income.
| Sector | Income (R billion) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Group Metal Ore | 373.2 | 41.2% |
| Coal and Lignite | 198.9 | 21.9% |
| Iron Ore | 119.2 | 13.2% |
Income Growth from 2019 to 2022
Significant Increases Across Key Sectors
Platinum group metal ore mining saw the largest increase, rising by R230.5 billion. Iron ore mining increased by R58.6 billion, while coal and lignite mining grew by R54.2 billion.
Percentage Share Changes from 2012 to 2022
Platinum Group Metal Ore Gains
From 2012 to 2022, platinum group metal ore mining gained 14 percentage points in income share. It rose from 27.2% in 2012 to 41.2% in 2022.
Gold and Uranium Decline
The mining of gold and uranium ore lost the biggest percentage share of income, declining by 8 percentage points. Iron ore and coal mining also saw declines of 4.1 and 2.5 percentage points, respectively.
| Sector | 2012 Share (%) | 2022 Share (%) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Group Metal Ore | 27.2 | 41.2 | +14.0 |
| Gold and Uranium Ore | 28.9 | 20.9 | -8.0 |
| Iron Ore | 17.3 | 13.2 | -4.1 |
| Coal and Lignite | 24.4 | 21.9 | -2.5 |
Employment in the Mining Industry
Overall Employment Increase
The total number of persons employed in the mining industry at the end of June 2022 was 423,829. This represents a 0.5% annual increase compared to 2019.
Platinum Group Metal Ore Leads Employment
In 2022, platinum group metal ore mining employed the largest number of persons at 148,388, or 35.1%. Coal and lignite mining employed 95,863 persons, while gold and uranium mining employed 88,451 persons.
| Sector | Employment (2022) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Group Metal Ore | 148,388 | 35.1% |
| Coal and Lignite | 95,863 | 22.6% |
| Gold and Uranium Ore | 88,451 | 20.9% |
Employment Changes from 2012 to 2022
Decline in Overall Employment
Employment in the mining industry declined from 538,144 in 2012 to 423,829 in 2022. This is a loss of 114,315 jobs.
Sector-Specific Employment Changes
Platinum group metal ore mining saw the largest job loss, with a reduction of 58,376 jobs. Gold and uranium mining lost 55,633 jobs, while chrome ore mining lost 5,793 jobs. However, coal and lignite mining gained 4,258 jobs.
| Sector | Employment Change (2012-2022) |
|---|---|
| Platinum Group Metal Ore | -58,376 |
| Gold and Uranium Ore | -55,633 |
| Chrome Ore | -5,793 |
| Coal and Lignite | +4,258 |
Provincial Income and Employment
Limpopo Leads in Income
Limpopo province generated the largest income from mining sales in 2022, with R237.7 billion. This is 27.3% of the industry’s total income.
Other Leading Provinces
North West followed with R193.1 billion, or 22.2%, while Mpumalanga contributed R173.0 billion, or 19.9%. Northern Cape generated R155.2 billion, or 17.9% of the total income.
| Province | Income (R billion) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| Limpopo | 237.7 | 27.3% |
| North West | 193.1 | 22.2% |
| Mpumalanga | 173.0 | 19.9% |
| Northern Cape | 155.2 | 17.9% |
Employment by Province
North West employed the largest number of mining workers, with 100,790 employees, or 23.9%. Limpopo followed with 86,844 employees, or 20.5%, while Mpumalanga employed 85,673 workers, or 20.2%.
| Province | Employment (2022) | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| North West | 100,790 | 23.9% |
| Limpopo | 86,844 | 20.5% |
| Mpumalanga | 85,673 | 20.2% |
| Gauteng | 68,530 | 16.2% |
Conclusion
The mining industry in South Africa showed robust growth in 2022, both in income and employment. The platinum group metal ore sector led the way, contributing significantly to the industry’s income and employment. Despite overall employment declines since 2012, certain sectors like coal and lignite saw job gains. Provincially, Limpopo and North West stood out in terms of income and employment contributions.