Economic Impacts of Gold Production in South Africa

Abstract

The causes of rising demand pull inflation in South Africa are examined with an eye on the international price of gold given the importance of gold mining in the country. Effects of the money supply, exchange rate, foreign income, and an index of political stability are included in the model, with results showing exchange rates and the price of gold to be the major determining factors of inflation levels. Immigration of highly skilled workers from developed countries lower the marginal productivity, and emigration of highly skilled workers have the opposite effects. Depreciation of the Rand makes raw gold more affordable thereby raising supply. A higher cross price elasticity between labor and both capital and energy makes investment in new technology a feasible idea for mine owners. In addition, there is little motivation to commission new mines or re-open closed ones, which often adversely impact the environment.