The History of Pan African Resources
Pan African Resources (PAR) has been an integral player in the South African gold mining industry, with the origin of one of its key operations tracing back to the historic Barberton goldfields – one of the country’s oldest and richest gold deposits. From these foundations, they have grown from humble beginnings into a mid-tier gold producer with a diversified portfolio focused on sustainable value.
Their growth has been shaped by strategic capital allocation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence, and operational innovation. Their flagship mines include the Elikhulu and Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) surface operations and the Barberton and Evander underground mines. The Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant and adjacent solar power facility at Evander are examples of their commitment to responsible mining and environmental rehabilitation of old mining footprints within the industry.
This article outlines PAR’s journey of strong governance, community upliftment, and technological advancements. Explore how they are redefining the history of gold mining in South Africa, ensuring long-term prosperity for future generations.
130 Years of Innovation: A History of Mining in South Africa
South Africa’s mining legacy first began in 1852, when the first copper mine was opened in Springbok in the Northern Cape. By 1876, the chance discovery of a 21-carat diamond near the Orange River led to the country’s first diamond rush, attracting global investment and spurring the establishment of more mining operations.
South Africa is well known for having produced most of the world’s gold, where over 1,5 billion ounces have been mined to date, mainly from the Witwatersrand Basin since the discovery of the Main Reef in Johannesburg around 1886. However, Barberton burst onto the world stage in 1883 as the site of the country’s first ‘gold rush’ in the early 1880’s, when alluvial gold was found in the De Kaap Valley, which led to the Moodie’s, Barber’s Reef and Sheba strikes. When the Sheba Reef was struck, the Barberton area looked to have found a goldfield ranking with the discoveries in California and Australia at the time. There was surface gold in nuggets, but there was also a quartz vein of exceptionally rich quality, which became known as Bray’s Golden Quarry after discoverer Edwin Bray. This Quarry produced 5,000oz of gold from 13,000 tons of ore (0.39oz/t or 12g/t). The Sheba Company thereafter formed was paying shareholders a 170% dividend, and £1 shares had gone up to £105!
The discovery of gold resulted in an influx of diggers, gold-seekers, and financiers from the diamond fields of Kimberley to look for new sources of wealth. Barberton saw not only the first serious gold mining in South Africa but also the first great gold share boom. By late 1885 more than 100 different shares were quoted on the Barberton stock exchange, with a market dealing in a total of more than four million shares and such was the exuberance that the exchange often stayed open until midnight. For the first time, South African shares caught the public imagination in London and Paris. However, only a handful of mines went on producing gold and their shares paid good dividends, but most did neither. Since the discovery of gold in the BGB in the early 1880’s, approximately 11 Moz are recorded to have been produced, with Barberton Mines (Fairview, Sheba and Consort operations) accounting for 75% of total production. These mines are the only ones still in production today.
In 1886, the discovery of gold on a Transvaal Farm would forever change the landscape of South African mining. This gold rush led to the development of the Witwatersrand Basin, which would become the world’s richest gold reef and placed Johannesburg on the map as a global mining hub.
The 20th century saw the rise of major mining players such as the De Beers diamond company, shaping South Africa’s mining landscape. Today, South Africa remains one of the world’s top mining nations, with the sector contributing approximately 8% to GDP, and also housing the world’s largest known reserves of other minerals like platinum group metals, chrome ore, and manganese. Pan African Resources has built upon this rich heritage, transforming historic mining operations through modern, sustainable practices.
A History of Pan African Resources’ Mining Efforts
Pan African Resources’ story is closely tied to the Barberton gold mining region, a historically rich area dating back to the 1880s. Their operating areas focus on highly productive mineral-rich areas, ensuring the company’s long-term sustainability.
PAR has spent over two decades executing strategic acquisitions, technological innovations, and steady growth, evolving into the mid-tier gold producer they are today:
2000: Our Founding Year
Pan African Resources (PAR) was incorporated in 2000 and focused on exploration in the early stages. Following the acquisition of Barberton Mines in 2007, it established itself as a focused precious metals mining group. The company’s vision was clear from the start: to create sustainable value for all stakeholders through responsible mining.
Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions
The acquisition of Barberton Mines in 2007 was a defining moment, bringing historic operations dating back to the 1880s into the company’s portfolio. Over time, Barberton has produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold, solidifying its reputation as a high-margin, long-life operation that continues to thrive using evolving mining practices.
In 2009, the acquisition of Evander Gold Mines expanded PAR’s footprint, adding deep-level Witwatersrand-type underground mining operations and vast surface resources to its portfolio. This strategic move positioned Pan African Resources as a mid-tier gold producer within the mining industry.
In 2021, PAR acquired Mogale Gold and the Mintails SA Soweto Cluster, marking a significant step in tailings retreatment and environmental rehabilitation. The Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) project, commissioned in October 2024, was completed below its R2.5-billion budget and is expected to add 50,000 ounces of gold annually—a 25% increase in the Group’s total production. Over its 21-year lifespan, the MTR operation is projected to produce over 1.1 million ounces at a low all-in-sustaining cost of production of around US$1,000 per ounce, underscoring PAR’s commitment to responsible mining and resource efficiency.
Future Horizons
Looking ahead, PAR is starting to expand gold mining operations beyond South Africa’s borders. They commenced their Sudan exploration project in early 2022, focusing on gold-rich deposits in the Nakasib Suture Zone. The site, located 70km northwest of Port Sudan, has yielded promising gold grades. However, further exploration activities are now on hold following the outbreak of civil war in the country.
In 2024, PAR took a strategic step into Australia, acquiring its first mining project in one of the world’s leading Tier-1 gold-producing regions. This acquisition provides access to Australia’s rich gold resources and well-established mining infrastructure, aligning with the Group’s strategy of diversifying globally while still committing to responsible mining practices.
These international initiatives, coupled with ongoing mining innovations and sustainable practices on home soil, position them for continued growth. They remain steadfast in their dedication to environmental stewardship and community development, ensuring that any expansion benefits all stakeholders and upholds the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
Mining for a Future
PAR is redefining the future of gold mining by balancing an excellent operations profile with sustainability at its core. By embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every facet of its operations, the company is setting new benchmarks for responsible mining.
Their continued investment in renewable energy, tailings retreatment, and community programs portrays a commitment to mining that preserves and restores ecosystems while supporting the sustainability of surrounding communities. From cutting-edge solar projects to pioneering the rehabilitation of abandoned mines, they are setting new gold industry benchmarks for responsible mining practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
With sustainability at the core of PAR’s strategy, the company is demonstrating that mining can be both profitable and long-lasting through responsible resource development. Its approach focuses on land rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, water preservation, and carbon reduction, ensuring that mining activities leave a positive legacy while supporting global sustainability goals. Key milestones outlined below highlight this progress:
2018: Advancing Tailings Retreatment & Land Rehabilitation
The Elikhulu Tailings Retreatment Plant, commissioned in 2018, marked a significant step toward sustainable mining as it continues to recover more gold, repurpose mine dumps, and extract value from historic waste. It processes approximately 1.2 million tonnes of historical tailings per month from the Kinross, Leslie/Bracken, and Winkelhaak sites, consolidating residues into a single modern storage facility to reduce our ecological footprint.
Similarly, the Barberton Tailings Retreatment Plant (BTRP) continues to extract value from historic waste, further demonstrating our long-term strategy of responsible mining with minimal ecological footprint. Read more about it here.
2021-2022: Expansion of Sustainable Mining Practices
Between 2021 and 2022, PAR expanded its sustainability initiatives to further reduce the environmental impact of gold mining. The innovative BIOX® process, originally developed in Johannesburg in the late 1970s, continues to be used at the Barberton Mines complex, ensuring high-efficiency gold recovery with minimal environmental harm. This biological oxidation method harnesses naturally occurring bacteria to extract gold, achieving recovery rates as high as 98.8% and making it a global benchmark for eco-friendly gold extraction.
During this period, PAR also partnered with the Barberton Nature Reserve and Conservation Outcomes to support the Barberton-Makhonjwa World Heritage Site, an area rich in endemic plant and animal life. This collaboration is focused on protecting natural habitats, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring mining does not disrupt the region’s ecological balance.
Additionally, water conservation efforts expanded significantly, with the Evander Mines water treatment facility upgraded to process 3 million liters of water per day, mitigating the effects of historical mining on water resources.
2023: Advancing Sustainability Targets
In 2023, PAR committed to major sustainability-linked finance initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to climate action and natural resource conservation. The company set a target to rehabilitate 41% of the Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) project’s land by 2030, with 9.4% already completed in the first year.
That same year, the company reported a 10.9% reduction in total water consumption, bringing its usage down to 9.2 million liters. Additionally, recycled water supplies from treatment plants increased by 1,568.5%, accounting for 8.1% of the total water used, significantly reducing reliance on freshwater supplies.
2024 & Beyond: Renewable Energy & Carbon Reduction
In 2024, PAR reached a 6.1% renewable energy mix, with a goal to increase it to 15% by 2027 in order to further reduce reliance on non-renewable power sources. The Barberton solar power plant, commissioned in July 2024, will contribute to lowering operational carbon emissions and strengthen the company’s position as a leader in sustainable mining.
Additionally, the company has expanded its renewable energy initiatives with the 8.75MW Barberton solar plant and plans for a 20MW solar facility at MTR. These projects are expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 22,000 tons per year, supporting the company’s drive toward clean energy solutions.
Community Partnerships: Building Lasting Relationships
PAR is deeply committed to the prosperity of its host communities. Not only do our mines provide jobs for mine workers, but the company invests in initiatives that foster education, health, infrastructure, and economic development. Key Milestones in their community development are as follows:
2007-2009: Laying the Foundation for Socio-Economic Development
Following the acquisition of Barberton Mines (2007) and Evander Mines (2013), the company commenced implementing local procurement policies and employment programs to ensure economic benefits for host communities and families of the mine workers. PAR’s revised mine plans extended the economic lives of these operations, creating more employment opportunities for local businesses.
2013-2018: Strengthening Local Economies & Workforce Development
From 2013 to 2018, portable skills training programs were introduced to equip miners with alternative career opportunities and provide technical training, particularly in construction, welding, and agriculture. Those smaller training programs expanded to enterprise development programs, encouraging small business growth in communities surrounding mining operations.
2021: Diversifying Economic Opportunities Beyond Mining
In 2021, PAR launched the Barberton Blueberries Project which has created over 170 jobs, particularly for women, reinforcing their focus on long-term community upliftment through sustainable business initiatives. During this time, they introduced graduate development and mentorship programs, offering internships, apprenticeships, and bursaries to students in mining communities.
2022: Investing in Education & Skills Development
In 2022, PAR expanded its commitment to education and skills development to create more opportunities for young learners in mining communities. Barberton Mines launched a high school scholarship program, awarding full scholarships to 25 top-performing learners from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers did not prevent students from accessing quality education. In addition, mobile library programs at Evander Mines were expanded, benefiting thousands of students by improving access to books and learning materials, further strengthening literacy and academic performance in the region.
2023: Major Investments in School Infrastructure & Youth Empowerment
PAR significantly increased its investment in school infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives in 2023. Around its Evander operations, the company funded the construction of computer and science laboratories at Thomas Nhlabathi High School and Thistle Grove Combined School, enhancing STEM education and providing students with access to modern learning tools. As part of its commitment to preserving and improving educational institutions in Barberton, PAR upgraded one of the region’s oldest schools, Ngwane Primary School. The school was given modern classrooms, improved sanitation facilities, and essential learning spaces.
The MTR project in Kagiso, Ward 13, further strengthened education initiatives by providing desks, chairs, and food stipends to support learners, significantly improving matric pass rates in the community. To encourage youth engagement and intellectual development, the company also hosted the first youth debating competition in August 2024. Outstanding students were awarded laptops, scholarships, and educational materials and reinforced PAR’s focus on youth development.
2024 & Beyond: Long-Term Commitment to Community Upliftment
Further expansion projects are expected to commence this year, through education funding, skills training, and enterprise development programs, ensuring that local communities benefit from long-term socio-economic growth. The company also plans to continue its support for healthcare, sanitation, and public infrastructure projects, improving overall living standards in host communities.
By strengthening partnerships with local governments and education authorities, PAR is working to ensure sustainable social development beyond mining operations, creating lasting value for future generations.
Beyond Gold Mining: Creating Sustainable Value
At Pan African Resources, our philosophy of “Mining for a Future” underscores our commitment to responsible mining practices that extend beyond mere gold extraction. This guiding principle emphasizes our dedication to environmental stewardship, community development, and long-term sustainability, ensuring that our mining activities create lasting value.
Historically, the gold market has experienced numerous cycles, with prices dipping and surging due to various economic factors. Despite these variances, investing in gold mining remains a prudent strategy for shareholders, serving as a hedge against inflation and providing liquidity. As a key player in the gold mining industry, PAR continues to capitalize on these opportunities, maintaining a stable production output and diversified portfolio that ensures long-term profitability.
Through strategic investments in renewable energy, economic initiatives, and ESG-focused ventures, PAR is not only delivering financial value to shareholders but also driving meaningful socio-economic development in the regions where we operate. Our investments in entrepreneurship programs, education infrastructure, and job creation initiatives strengthen local economies and contribute to sustainable community upliftment. Projects such as the Barberton Blueberries initiative, which has created over 170 jobs currently, and our expanded skills development and apprenticeship programs, showcase our dedication to empowering the communities around our sustainable gold mining operations.
Source: Envato
Final Thoughts: Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Pan African Resources is poised for significant growth through strategic initiatives and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices. Our recent acquisition of Tennant Consolidated Mining Group (TCMG) in Australia’s Northern Territory marks an important milestone in our expansion strategy. With plans to produce 50,000 ounces of gold annually over an initial eight-year mine life at TCMG, this acquisition aligns with our goal of diversifying operations into high-potential gold mining regions and increasing the quality ounce profile of our mining profile.
Our dedication to sustainability is further evident in investments in innovation and technology, particularly in renewable energy projects designed to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency leading to production cost savings over the medium to longer term. With gold expected to remain a stable investment, our strategy ensures resilience against market volatility while maintaining a responsible approach to resource extraction.
Our vision for the next century encompasses continued growth, technological advancement, and unwavering adherence to responsible mining practices to maximise shareholder returns. By leveraging cutting-edge mining methods, expanding into new markets, and maintaining our leadership in sustainable operations, PAR is securing its position as a global leader in the gold mining industry for generations to come.
