Witwatersrand

views updated May 23 2018

Witwatersrand (Rand) Series of parallel mountain ranges more than 1500m (5000ft) high, forming a watershed between the Vaal and Olifant rivers, in former Transvaal, ne South Africa. The region extends c.100km (62mi) e and w of Johannesburg. Gold was first discovered in 1884 and mining began two years later. Witwatersrand still produces c.30% of the world's total output of gold. Silver is recovered as a by-product of gold refining. Coal and manganese are also mined, and there are many ancillary industries in the region.

Rand

views updated May 21 2018

Rand 1 / rand/ (the Rand) another name for Witwatersrand.

Rand

views updated Jun 08 2018

Rand See Witwatersrand

Witwatersrand

views updated May 08 2018

Witwatersrand See RANDIAN.