Stilfontein

Stilfontein is a town located in the North West Province of South Africa, with 17,942 inhabitants (2025). It is situated about 120 km northwest of Johannesburg, and is known for its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty. The town is located in the heart of the maize-growing region of South Africa, and is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Klerksdorp Dam.

The town was founded in 1949, as a result of the discovery of gold in the region. The town was home for three large gold mines and their miners: the Hartebeesfontein, Buffelsfontein, and Stilfontein mines. Unlike the Sabie operation, in which the shaft is 150 meters deep, the Stilfontein shaft is 2 kilometers deep. The Mponeng Mine, owned by: 'Harmony Gold Mining Company'. (This is an underground mine located in Gauteng). The mine, produced in an estimated 239.49 thousand ounces of gold in 2023 and it quickly grew into a bustling mining community. Today, the town is home to a number of gold mines, which continue to play a major role in the local economy. In addition to its mining industry, Stilfontein is also known for its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty, and is a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the region’s history and nature.

Unlike the Sabie operation, in which the shaft is 150 meters deep, the Stilfontein shaft is 2 kilometers deep. The Mponeng Mine, owned by: 'Harmony Gold Mining Company'. The mine produced an estimated 239.49 thousand ounces of gold in 2023. Mponeng is the deepest level shaft in the world, with a depth of 3 891 metres below datum, This means a zero-elevation surface used to measure the height of land features, water levels, and satellite orbits. Vertical datums can be based on tides, gravity, or geometry. Another measurement for Stilfontein mine is: '2 062 metres below sea level'. The mine, which began producing in 1986, is near the town of Carletonville, some 90km south-west of Johannesburg.

Sondela Nature Reserve is a 40 square kilometer nature reserve nearby. This area is in the heart of the Limpopo bushveld. It is which is widely recognised as one of South Africa s best-loved inland holiday resorts.