The mineral industry of Eswatini is not a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. In 2019, the production of mineral commodities—notably coal, gold, and crushed stone—represented only a minor part of the economy of Eswatini. However, this may be changing as the government of Eswatini awarded 6 mining & prospecting licenses (the most in the last 20 years) for various mining concerns including coal, diamonds, green chert and gold.
The Mining Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is responsible for the administration of the mineral sector. The mineral sector is regulated by the provisions of the Diamond Act No. 3 of 2011, the Explosive Act No. 4 of 1961, the Mines and Minerals Act No. 4 of 2011, and the Mines and Quarries (Safety) Regulations.
Production
The main minerals produced in 2023 included aggregate (crushed stone), coal, and iron ore.
Anthracite coal from the Maloma Mine was shipped to South Africa by Maloma Colliery Ltd.
Crush Stone is quarried and crushed at various sites for use in domestic construction projects.
Leading Sub-Sectors
- Materials extraction and handling technology
- Mining processing
- Drilling rigs
- Communications systems
- GIS mapping
The mineral industry of Eswatini is not a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. In 2019, the production of mineral commodities—notably coal, gold, and crushed stone—represented only a minor part of the economy of Eswatini. However, this may be changing as the government of Eswatini awarded 6 mining & prospecting licenses (the most in the last 20 years) for various mining concerns including coal, diamonds, green chert and gold.
The Mining Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is responsible for the administration of the mineral sector. The mineral sector is regulated by the provisions of the Diamond Act No. 3 of 2011, the Explosive Act No. 4 of 1961, the Mines and Minerals Act No. 4 of 2011, and the Mines and Quarries (Safety) Regulations.
Production
The main minerals produced in 2023 included aggregate (crushed stone), coal, and iron ore.
Anthracite coal from the Maloma Mine was shipped to South Africa by Maloma Colliery Ltd.
Crush Stone is quarried and crushed at various sites for use in domestic construction projects.
Leading Sub-Sectors
- Materials extraction and handling technology
- Mining processing
- Drilling rigs
- Communications systems
- GIS mapping