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Anglo American Platinum Mine

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Industrial site
—°3
Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)

Weather…

The Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg is one of the world's most significant mining hubs, situated at the heart of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, which contains the world's richest deposits of platinum group metals. Mining in this region has a long history and is vital for the global supply of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The Rustenburg operations consist of vast underground facilities where precious ore is extracted from the Merensky and UG2 reef layers. These metals are indispensable for the production of automotive catalytic converters, electronics, and high-end jewelry. Anglo American Platinum is increasingly adopting modern technologies at the site, such as automated drilling and digital monitoring systems, to enhance miner safety and improve operational efficiency. As one of the country's largest private-sector employers, the company contributes significantly to local infrastructure and social development in the North West province. Despite the challenges of deep-level mining and volatile global commodity prices, Rustenburg remains a powerhouse of the international raw materials economy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252523201613131621232425
Rain mm11483694713625144475114

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg is a major part of the Bushveld Complex and one of the world's largest producers of platinum group metals. It plays a central role in South African mining.
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Visiting
The mine is not open to the public, but from public roads one can see the headframes and waste dumps. Guided tours are not available.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the R510 road that passes by the mine. From there, one has a wide view of the operational area and the surrounding landscape.
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Local products
In Rustenburg, platinum jewelry and precious metals are sold in certified stores. Local artisans also use platinum in traditional designs.
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Active season
Mining operates around the clock, with constant production throughout the year. The best travel season for the region is from May to September due to mild weather.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to Pilanesberg National Park or an excursion to Sun City Resort. The Rustenburg Nature Reserve also provides hiking trails.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.66900, 27.26200

Facts

  • The world's largest contiguous platinum mining complex.
  • Located in the Bushveld Complex, which holds 70% of global platinum reserves.
  • Extracts ore from the Merensky Reef and the UG2 chromitite layer.
  • Rustenburg serves as the economic hub of South Africa's platinum industry.
  • Employs over 25,000 miners and specialists during peak operations.
  • The shaft facilities reach depths significantly exceeding 1,000 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

RustenburgRustenburg2 km · WExplore →
Impala Platinum MineImpala Platinum Mine15 km · NExplore →
MagaliesbergMagaliesberg28 km · SEExplore →
Sun CitySun City40 km · NWExplore →
MagaliesburgMagaliesburg46 km · SEExplore →
PilanesbergPilanesberg51 km · NExplore →
BritsBrits52 km · EExplore →
Cradle of HumankindCradle of Humankind57 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Anglo American Platinum Mine (3)

Rustenburg Cross🌿 nature

The Rustenburg Cross is a monumental hilltop viewpoint providing sweeping panoramas of the surrounding platinum mining region.

Lily Park🎡 recreation

Lily Park features a refreshing recreational escape with outdoor splash pools and family-friendly water slides.

Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve🌿 nature

Situated in the Magaliesberg peaks, the Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve is particularly noted for protecting a breeding herd of majestic sable antelopes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can one visit the platinum mines in Rustenburg?
No, these are industrial facilities.
Why is Rustenburg famous?
As a center of global platinum mining.
What is nearby?
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Is a trip worth it?
Yes, because of the game reserve, not the mines.
How to reach Rustenburg?
By car from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Anglo American Platinum Mine: where is it located?
Anglo American Platinum Mine is located in South Africa.
Anglo American Platinum Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rustenburg Cross, Lily Park, Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve.
Anglo American Platinum Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Anglo American Platinum Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg is one of the world's most significant mining hubs, situated at the heart of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, which contains the world's richest deposits of platinum group metals.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Rustenburg — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Rustenburg
One of the fastest-growing cities in the North West, known for its extensive platinum mines.
Klerksdorp — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Klerksdorp
The largest city in the North West province is a major center for gold mining and agriculture.
Potchefstroom — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Potchefstroom
A university town on the banks of the Mooi River, known for its many historical buildings.
Brits — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Brits
The modern town is situated in the fertile Bushveld and is strong in automotive part production and mining.
Mahikeng — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Mahikeng
The capital of the North West province is near the Botswana border and was the site of a historic siege.
Vryburg — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Vryburg
The agricultural and industrial center of the Bophirima region is often referred to as the 'Texas of South Africa'.
Magaliesburg — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Magaliesburg
A picturesque village at the foot of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Sun City — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Sun City
A world-renowned luxury resort and entertainment hub, nestled in a beautiful mountain landscape.

History & landmarks

Pilanesberg — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Pilanesberg
A national park set in an extinct volcanic crater, home to the 'Big Five' and breathtaking landscapes.

Nature

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Uphole Lake
A smaller lake in the northwest of South Africa.

More places

Impala Platinum Mine — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Impala Platinum Mine
One of the premier platinum group metals operations globally, situated near Rustenburg.
Magaliesberg — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Magaliesberg
One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
Ukutula Lion Park — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Ukutula Lion Park
A center for conservation and education with lions.
Kaditshwene Ruins — Anglo American Platinum Mine (South Africa)
Kaditshwene Ruins
Kaditshwene was a significant Iron Age city and the capital of the Bahurutshe nation before being destroyed in the early 19th century.
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Taung Heritage Site
The Taung site is where the fossilized skull of the famous 'Taung Child' was found in 1924, an early proof of hominins in Africa.