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Definition

The extraction and exploitation of metals and minerals from the ground. This activity in South Africa is controlled by the Mineral and Petroleum Resource Development Act (MPRDA - 28 of 2002) and the third mining charter which is still being finalised. These laws have made mining in South Africa unattractive for overseas investors with the result that many mining houses have chosen to take their investments out of this country. This results in the concomitant reduction in investment and employment opportunities. Since 2016 the prices of metals and minerals has been rising, but the boom in commodities has not been fully exploited by South Africa because of its preoccupation with redressing historical wrongs. The mining industry is generally very labour intensive and has seen some major strike action over the years. South Africa is blessed with massive natural resources in both precious metals and base metals and minerals. For this reason the progress of our economy depends heavily on commodity exports.

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