Description
Bullion Johannesburg: Men, Mines and the Challenge of Conflict by John Lang traces the full history of the Johannesburg Chamber of Mines from its founding in 1886 through to the modern era, offering an authoritative account of South Africa’s gold mining industry and its profound social and political impact. Lang examines the early struggles of the Chamber, including conflicts with the Kruger regime, the Jameson Raid, and the Johannesburg Rising of 1895, situating these events within the turbulent prelude to the Anglo-Boer War. He follows the reconstruction period, the influx of Chinese labourers, and the development of enduring labour relations on the Rand, detailing how these shaped South Africa’s economic and political trajectory. The book also explores key episodes such as the 1922 Rand Revolt, the Nationalist/Labour Pact, the gold standard departure of 1932, and the technological and social advances in mining through the 20th century. Lang provides fresh insight into the strategic and economic role of South Africa on the global stage, including the gold crises of the 1960s and the country’s position as a critical supplier of minerals. A meticulously researched chronicle, this work appeals to readers interested in mining, labour history, and the interplay between politics and industry in South Africa.
