Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa. While it is not as richly endowed with mineral resources as some of its neighboring countries, Eswatini does possess a variety of minerals that have been exploited to varying degrees. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, but mining also plays a role, albeit smaller. Here’s an overview of the key mineral resources in Eswatini:

Key Mineral Resources

1. Coal:
   • Overview: Coal is one of the most significant mineral resources in Eswatini. The country has several coal deposits, particularly in the western and southern regions.
   • Major Coal Mining Areas: The primary coal mining area is the Maloma coal mine in the southern part of the country. Other coal deposits are found in areas like Mpaka and Phuzumoya.
   • Reserves: Eswatini’s coal reserves are considered moderate in size, but they are significant enough to support local industries and contribute to the country’s energy supply.
2. Quarry Stone and Aggregates:
   • Overview: Quarrying is a significant activity in Eswatini, providing materials for the construction industry. The country has abundant reserves of various types of stone used for building and infrastructure projects.
   • Major Quarrying Areas: Quarrying activities are widespread, with key areas including Mbabane, Manzini, and the surrounding regions.
   • Reserves: The reserves of quarry stone and aggregates are substantial and support the local construction industry.
3. Iron Ore:
   • Overview: Iron ore was historically mined in Eswatini, particularly in the Ngwenya area, which is home to one of the oldest known iron ore mining sites in the world.
   • Ngwenya Mine: The Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine, located near the western border with South Africa, was operational from the 1960s until its closure in the 1980s. It is one of the oldest mines in the world, with evidence of iron smelting dating back to 43,000 BC.
   • Reserves: The Ngwenya mine’s iron ore reserves are largely depleted, and the mine is no longer operational. However, the historical significance of the site makes it a point of interest for tourism.
4. Gold:
   • Overview: Gold deposits have been identified in Eswatini, though gold mining is not extensively developed and is primarily small-scale.
   • Major Gold Areas: Gold occurrences have been reported in the Hhelehhele area and other parts of the country, but the extent of these deposits is not well-documented.
   • Reserves: The gold reserves in Eswatini are considered modest, with limited potential for large-scale mining.
5. Kaolin:
   • Overview: Kaolin, a type of clay used in various industrial applications, is found in Eswatini. Kaolin is used in the production of ceramics, paper, rubber, and in the pharmaceutical industry.
   • Major Kaolin Areas: Kaolin deposits are found in several parts of Eswatini, particularly in the central and southern regions.
   • Reserves: The kaolin reserves in Eswatini are moderate, supporting local industries and offering potential for further development.
6. Silica Sand:
   • Overview: Silica sand deposits are found in Eswatini and are used in the production of glass and other industrial applications.
   • Major Silica Sand Areas: Deposits of silica sand are found in various parts of the country, particularly in the eastern regions.
   • Reserves: The silica sand reserves in Eswatini are adequate to meet local demand and could potentially support export markets.
7. Other Minerals:
   • Talc: Talc deposits are present in Eswatini and have been mined on a small scale. Talc is used in cosmetics, ceramics, and as a filler in the paper and paint industries.
   • Asbestos: Eswatini once had asbestos mining activities, particularly in the Bulembu area, but the mine has since been closed due to health and environmental concerns associated with asbestos.

Investment and Extraction Situation

• Small-Scale Mining: Mining activities in Eswatini are generally small-scale, with coal mining being the most developed sector. Other minerals, such as gold and kaolin, are extracted on a much smaller scale, primarily for local use.
• Limited Infrastructure: The mining sector in Eswatini faces challenges related to infrastructure, including transportation and energy supply, which can impact the efficiency of extraction and processing activities.
• Environmental and Social Impact: Mining activities in Eswatini, particularly in coal and quarrying, have environmental and social impacts, including land degradation and the displacement of communities. The government is working to regulate the industry and ensure that mining activities are conducted sustainably.
• Potential for Development: While the mining sector in Eswatini is relatively underdeveloped, there is potential for further exploration and investment, particularly in minerals like gold, kaolin, and silica sand. Developing these resources could contribute to economic diversification and provide additional revenue streams for the country.