[SLIDESHOW] The Deepest Underground Mines in the World

South Africa is home to some of the deepest underground mines in the world. From the Mponeng gold mine to the Savuka mine, we expose some of the deepest, darkest underground mines the industry has to offer.

TauTona Gold Mine

Located in the West Wits region of South Africa, the TauTona ranks as the world’s second deepest underground mine in the world. Owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti, the mine goes miles under the earth’s surface at depths ranging from 1.14 to 2.14 miles. In 2008, the company added a secondary shaft that reaches almost two and a half miles underground.

Mponeng Gold Mine

The title for the deepest underground mine belongs to Mponeng.  As the deepest man made hole on earth, the depth of Mponeng is almost mystical. If you measured from the bottom of the mine to the surface you could stack 10 Empire State Buildings on top of each other. Mponeng is another underground mine owned and operated by AngloGold Ashanti.

Savuka Gold Mine

The Savuka Gold  Mine, situated in Gauteng, South Africa, is one of the deepest underground mines in the world. The site, which has been rocked by occasional seismic activities, is currently being restored and structured to prevent further troubles. In 2012, the mine produced 37,000 ounces of gold. Owner and operator of the site, AngloGold Ashanti, is contemplating incorporating Savuka into the neighboring TauTona for accessing the remaining resources.