Platinum

Platinum, a highly valued and desired metal, has a wide range of uses, including jewelry, catalytic converters, electrical contacts, pacemakers, medication and magnets. Because it is rare, there are only about 5 parts per billion by weight in Earth's crust, according to Chemicool — platinum tends to be very pricey, as anyone looking to buy a platinum wedding ring might discover. Platinum is a silver-white metal. It was once known as "white gold."

The electronics industry uses platinum for computer hard disks and thermocouples. Platinum is also used to make optical fibres and LCDs, turbine blades, spark plugs, pacemakers and dental fillings. Platinum compounds are important chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancers. 

Some of the prominent platinum producing mines in the country are the Impala Rustenburg mine, Mogalakwena mine, Marikana mine, Bathopele mine, Khomanani mine, and others. Mogalakwena Mine, South Africa (Credit: Anglo American Platinum).