Theory question 109
Geography of Africa(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa. On the map, locate and name any two areas of gold mining in South Africa. (b) Describe one method of mining gold in South Africa. (c) State any four importance of gold mining to South Africa.
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(a) Map: Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), Orange Free State goldfield (Welkom), Klerksdorp, Evander, Barberton.
(b) Shaft (deep) mining: vertical shafts are sunk to great depths (over 3,000 m); horizontal tunnels (drifts/stopes) follow the gold-bearing reef; the ore is blasted, loaded into wagons and lifted to the surface; it is crushed into fine powder and gold is extracted by cyanide or mercury and smelted into bars. (Alternatively alluvial panning or open cast.)
(c) Foreign exchange; government revenue; employment for millions including migrant workers; growth of towns (Johannesburg); development of transport and industries; attracts foreign investment; raw material for jewellery and electronics.
Describe the steps in order.