The importance of coal | Statistics South Africa
In 2013, coal contributed R51 billion to South Africa's economy, compared with gold's R31 billion 1. Measured at current prices, coal is now king. The mineral's contribution to overall mining value added rose to 22,5% in 2013 from 17,4% in 1993. Platinum group metals (PGMs) came a close second in 2013, at 21,0%.