Mining

The Sekhukhune District cuts across the north-eastern part of the Bushveld Complex, an immense geological structure that contains the largest reserves of platinum group metals (PGM) in the world. PGMs are a family of 6 metals – platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium. The first three of these are the main metals used in catalysts. Nickel, chrome, vanadium, titanium, iron, copper, cobalt, granite and asbestos are some of the other deposits found in that belt.
Although statistics may vary, most would agree that mining is a key contributor to Sekhukhune’s GGP - and a sector with enormous potential for the immediate future. Modern mining has been practiced in Sekhukhune land for well over a century, and typically involved the exploitation of andalusite, asbestos, chromite and platinum deposits. What is striking about previous bouts of mining activity in the area, however, is how changing commodity prices affected the opening, closing and, occasionally, re-opening of mines. When prices rose, new exploration and development took place in the Sekhukhune mining sector. Conversely, when prices fell, mines in the area were forced to close.

(a) Current mining activities
Mining’s contribution to GGP in Sekhukhune is estimated at between 15 – 20%, depending on the source of the statistics. Within the District itself, the sector contributes most to the GGPs of Makhuduthamaga (22,8% in 2000), Fetakgomo (32,6% in 2000) and Tubatse (36,6% in 2000) (Goode, 2006). These figures are likely to have changed in recent years, however.
The major mining activity in the District occurs within the Dilokong Corridor, which stretches largely across Tubatse and Fetakgomo. Elias Motsoaledi, Makhuduthamaga and Marble Hall have relatively low levels of mining activities (GSDM, 2007a).
t is estimated that mining grew at an annual rate of 5, 4% from 1996 – 2001 (Goode, 2006), a comparatively high growth rate which bodes well for the future. According to the Department of Minerals and Energy, there were 17 operating mines in the Sekhukhune District area in 2006 (Goode, 2006). These include a significant number of platinum mines in the area.
The table below sets out the main existing (operating) and planned platinum mines in the District. Operating and projected platinum mines in/near Sekhukhune

Operating and projected platinum mines in/near Sekhukhune
Mine Controlling company Local Municipality

Expansion in progress or production building up
Lebowa Platinum Angloplat Fetakgomo LM
Modikwa A.A.R.M Tubatse LM
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