South Africa’s mining sector grew by 2.3 percent in 2012 according to Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu.

Shabangu reported the growth in a written reply to Parliamentary questions from the National Council of Provinces. The 2.3 percent growth represents 11,754 jobs created. Shabangu said that her department had estimated that the sector would generate about 14,000 jobs over the next 10 years in line with government’s economic policy, the New Growth Path.

"However, the global challenging economic situation has had a negative impact on job creation," she said.

In her reply, Shabangu said the number of operating mines and quarries increased from 993 in 2004 to 1,579 in 2012 — an increase of 59.01 percent.

A total of 64,302 jobs were created during the same period, averaging 9,186 jobs per year.

Shabangu said the current social and labor plan was emphatic on investment in community development close to the mines, while the mining charter sets targets for human resources development, off-setting mechanisms for beneficiation, procurement and enterprise development. All of those were contributors to creating entrepreneurial ad employment opportunities. Shabangu said.