All gold mines begin by a chance discovery5 Dec 2025 10:01
THE WITWATERSRAND
The Gold Rush & Discovery
Discovery: In 1886, prospector George Harrison found gold in the Main Reef conglomerate on the farm Langlaagte, sparking the rush.
Scale: This led to the Witwatersrand Gold Fields, the richest gold-producing area in history, centered on Johannesburg.
Impact: It transformed South Africa's economy, attracted global investment, and led to significant political changes, including the Second Boer