What is Gold Mining?
Gold mining is the extraction of gold by mining. World gold production was 3,612 tons in 2022. Historically, mining gold from alluvial deposits used manual separation processes, such as gold panning.
Top Gold Mining Companies In South Africa
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Since 1998, AngloGold Ashanti has been a leading player in South Africa’s gold mining industry. AngloGold is the end product of the century-old Anglo-American Company consolidating its uranium and gold mining enterprises. Upon completing restructuring, AngloGold Ashanti became the first SA company to be listed for trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Beginning in 2006, parent company Anglo American began selling equity in AngloGold. Anglo-American eventually liquidated its interest in 2009. According to self-disclosure, AngloGold is a publicly-held independent producer.
Below are a few relevant facts local to AngloGold Ashanti
- The current form of AngloGold Ashanti came to be through the 2004 merger of AngloGold Limited and Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited.
- Corporate headquarters are located in Johannesburg, SA.
- The company’s core businesses are international in scope, featuring 14 projects located in nine countries. In addition to operations in SA, AngloGold is present in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Congo, and Tanzania.
- AngloGold Ashanti ranks as the third-largest gold mining company in the world.
Shares of AngloGold Ashanti are listed for public trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), and the NYSE. Share codes are ANG (JSE), AU (NYSE), and AGG (ASX). As of May 2020, AngloGold Ashanti held a market capitalization of US$10.85 billion.
Gold Fields Limited
The origin of Gold Fields Limited dates back to 1887 when Cecil John Rhodes and Charles Rudd founded Gold Fields of South Africa. One of the country’s oldest gold mining companies, its modern incarnation came to be with the 1998 Gold Fields of South Africa/Gencor merger. The new entity was briefly known as Goldco, before being renamed Gold Fields Limited.
In 2002, Gold Fields was listed on the NYSE for public trade. With a mission statement of being the “global leader in sustainable gold mining,” the company has risen to a prominent position in the mining industry.
The following are some of the vitals for Gold Fields Limited:
- Corporate headquarters are in Johannesburg, SA.
- Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified company with nine active mines. Projects are located in Australia, Peru, South Africa, West Africa, the Philippines, and Chile.
- Gold Fields ranks as the seventh largest gold producer in the world.
Gold Fields Limited is a publicly traded company, with shares offered primarily on the JSE. Secondary listings are available on the NYSE. Share codes are GFI (NYSE) and GFIE (JSE). As of May 2020, Gold Fields Limited held a market cap of US$6.4 billion.
Sibanye-Stillwater
The youngest of the SA gold mining heavyweights, Sibanye-Stillwater began in February 2013 as Sibanye Gold Limited. Originally a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, Sibanye Gold aggressively pursued a growth-oriented business model. Following extensive acquisitions of SA resources, Sibanye Gold purchased the U.S.-based Stillwater Mining Company in 2016 for US$2.2 billion. Upon the transaction being completed, Sibanye-Stillwater was formed.
Although Sibanye-Stillwater is the world’s premier platinum producer, it is also among the leaders in gold production. A majority of bullion-specific projects are located in and around the Johannesburg, SA area.
Sibanye-Stillwater is a prominent name in the mining industry, featuring several attributes worthy of note:
- The company does not have a traditional headquarters, but it does have a registered office in Weltevreden Park, SA.
- Operations are diverse, including mining projects in the U.S., SA, and Zimbabwe.
- Sibanye-Stillwater is the world’s largest primary platinum producer, second largest palladium producer, and a top-tier gold producer
Sibanye-Stillwater is a publicly traded company, with shares being listed on the JSX and NYSE. Stock symbols are SSW (JSE) and SBSW (NYSE). As of May 2020, Sibanye-Stillwater held a market capitalization of US$5.18 billion.
What are the biggest gold mine companies in South Africa?
The South Deep Gold Mine is owned by Gold Fields Ltd which is due to operate until 2106, the Impala Mine is owned by Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd which is due to operate until 2035, and the Tshepong Mine is owned by Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd which is due to operate until 2041.
What are the top 5 gold mines in South Africa?
The five largest gold mines in operation in South Africa
- South Deep Gold Mine. The South Deep Gold Mine is an underground mine located in Gauteng
- Tshepong Mine. Located in Free State, the Tshepong Mine is owned by Harmony Gold Mining
- Moab Khotsong Mine
- Mponeng Mine.
- Kloof Gold Mine.