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The Reef, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa
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The Reef, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa
The Reef (looking west), Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa, with mining dumps (Robinson Deep) in the middle distance. Date: circa 1930
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14383853
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Deep Dump Dumps Gear Johannesburg Mine Mines Mining Pile Piles Reef Robinson Soil Southern Transvaal Workings
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the industrial heart of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa during the 1930s. The Reef, a significant gold-bearing formation, dominates the horizon, its undulating contours a testament to the rich mineral wealth that drew thousands to this region. The city's skyline is dotted with buildings and structures, their silhouettes stark against the setting sun. In the middle distance, mining dumps, or 'piles' as they were commonly known, from Robinson Deep mine can be seen. These dumps, a byproduct of the gold mining process, are a stark reminder of the intense labor and extraction that took place in this area. The equipment and gear used in the mining industry are scattered throughout the scene, adding to the sense of industry and activity. The scene is a snapshot of a bygone era, a time when Johannesburg was at the forefront of global gold production. The 1930s, known as the Great Depression era, were challenging times for many, but for the mining industry in South Africa, it was a period of continued growth and expansion. The scene presents a complex tableau of human ingenuity, natural resources, and the transformative power of industry. The photograph's composition, with the sun setting over the mining dumps, creates a sense of melancholy and introspection, inviting the viewer to reflect on the past and consider the impact of industrialization on the landscape and the people who lived and worked there.
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