Mention South African mining and most of us immediately think of diamonds and gold. The country that gave us the Kimberley Mine, the Cullinan diamond and the Witwatersrand goldfields remains one of the world’s great mining nations—but today’s rankings tell a different story.
Gary Roskin
Roskin Gem News Report
According to the latest U.S. Geological Survey country report, South Africa remains the world’s leading producer of platinum, accounting for an estimated 70% of global mined production in 2024. The country also remains an important source of palladium, and was the leading supplier of both platinum and palladium imported into the United States. It is one reason the USGS continues to closely monitor South Africa’s mining industry.
Diamonds and gold may have built the country’s reputation, but platinum has become one of its most strategically important minerals.
What about Diamonds?
Diamonds tell a different story. In 2024, South Africa ranked sixth in the world in gem-quality diamond production, accounting for about 3% of global output. Countries producing more gem diamonds included Russia, Botswana, Canada, Angola and Namibia. Unlike diamond production—which is often reported by carat weight or by value depending on the source—the USGS ranks countries by gem-quality production in this report. With Canada’s diamond industry undergoing significant change—including the closure of the Diavik Mine and uncertainty surrounding Ekati—don’t be surprised if the next USGS report looks a little different.
Petra Diamonds
Gold
Gold shows an even more dramatic shift. Once the world’s dominant gold producer, South Africa ranked 12th globally in 2024. Countries producing more gold included China, Russia, Australia, Canada, the United States, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Peru. South Africa still accounted for about 3% of global mine production, but the rankings are a reminder of how the world’s mining landscape has evolved over the past several decades.
Back to Platinum
Sometimes the most interesting story isn’t what has changed—but what hasn’t. South Africa may no longer lead the world in diamonds or gold, but its platinum industry hasn’t lost its lustre.
Tap here to read the complete USGS 2024 South Africa Minerals Report
