The history of platinum mining can be traced as far back as Ancient Egypt, where platinum – probably without knowledge of its eventual value – was used for writing inlays on little statuettes.
Platinum mining would only be introduced to western civilization in the 17th century – when Spanish conquerors considered it a waste product of gold mining in Columbia.
Platinum mining in South Africa is supported by the country possessing over 80% of the world’s platinum group metal reserves. Along with Russia, platinum mining in South Africa produces a total of 90% of the world’s platinum demand – which is about 130 tonnes per year (6% of gold production per annum).
The Merensky Reef, stretching from southern Zimbabwe through to the Rustenburg and Pretoria regions, is the centre of platinum mining in South Africa, playing host to companies like Rustenburg Platinum Mines and Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mines.
Source: Read More