where are the major gold mines found in south africa
Mining industry of South Africa Among the nation's gold mines are two of the deepest mines in the world. The East Rand Mine, in Boksburg, extends to a depth of 3,585 metres (11,762 ft). A 4-metre (13 ft) shallower mine is located at TauTona in Carletonville, though plans are in place to begin work on an extension to the TauTona mine, bringing the total depth to over 3,900 metres (12,800 ft) and breaking the current record by 127 feet (39 m).[14] At these depths the temperature of the rocks is 140 °F (60 °C).[15]
Australian gold rushes Edward Hargraves, accompanied by John Lister, found five specks of alluvial gold at Ophir near Orange in February 1851. Then, in April 1851, John Lister and William Tom, trained by Edward Hargraves, found 120 grams of gold. This discovery, instigated by Hargraves, led directly to the beginning of the gold rush in New South Wales. This was the first gold rush in Australia and was in full operation by May 1851,[70] even before it was officially proclaimed on 14 May 1851,[44] with already an estimated 300 diggers in place by 15 May 1851.[71] Before 14 May 1851 gold was already flowing from Bathurst to Sydney,[72] an example being when Edward Austin[73] brought to Sydney a nugget of gold worth Â£35, which had been found in the Bathurst District.[74]