Sheba Mine, Barberton’s golden jewel

Tucked away in the green folds of the Barberton Mountain Land lies one of the world’s oldest working gold mines, Sheba Mine, often called Barberton’s golden jewel. For well over a century, this mine has been part of the heartbeat of the Lowveld, shaping not only the town’s history but also its economy and identity.

Sheba’s story began in the early days of South Africa’s first real gold rush. In 1885, prospector Edwin Bray struck gold when he discovered the rich Golden Quarry in the hills outside Barberton. That single find led to the establishment of the Sheba Reef Gold Mining Company and sparked a rush of fortune seekers who laid the foundations of the vibrant mining town we know today.

“Barberton’s early prosperity was built on Sheba’s gold,” notes a local historian. “It was the promise of Sheba that drew people from across the world, from Cornish miners to fortune hunters from Europe, all hoping to strike it rich in the De Kaap Valley.”

Over the decades, the Sheba Mine passed through many hands, from small syndicates to larger mining companies, before becoming part of the Barberton Mines complex, now owned and operated by Pan African Resources. Today, Sheba, together with the Fairview and Consort mines, forms part of the Barberton Mines cluster, one of the longest continuously operating gold-mining areas in the world.

Despite its age, Sheba remains a productive operation, using modern mining techniques to access the same high-grade gold-bearing reefs that once made the area famous. The Barberton greenstone belt, in which Sheba is located, is geologically significant, one of the oldest rock formations on Earth, estimated to be over 3.5 billion years old.

Pan African Resources continues to invest in the mine’s longevity through the Royal Sheba Project, which aims to extend the life of operations and unlock new underground ore bodies. The company employs hundreds of people from Barberton and the surrounding communities, contributing significantly to the local economy through salaries, supplier contracts, and municipal levies.

“Mining has always been a cornerstone of Barberton’s economy,” says a spokesperson from Pan African Resources. “Our Barberton Mines operations, which include Sheba, inject millions into the regional economy each year and provide stable employment in a time when many rural towns face economic uncertainty.”

Over the years, Sheba has yielded some of the richest gold finds in South African history. Early accounts tell of quartz veins so rich that gold could be seen glittering in the rock with the naked eye. The legendary “Golden Quarry”, Bray’s original discovery, became famous around the world for its almost unbelievable yields, sparking the romantic image of Barberton as a true gold town.

Of course, like all mining operations, Sheba has faced its share of challenges. Illegal mining, environmental management, and the rising costs of underground operations remain concerns, but through careful management and investment in sustainable practices, the mine continues to hold its place as a pillar of local industry.

Beyond its economic importance, Sheba Mine is woven into the cultural fabric of Barberton. Generations of families have worked in its shafts and offices, its name appearing in countless local stories, songs, and memories. For many, Sheba represents more than gold, it’s a reminder of perseverance, endurance, and the enduring promise of the Barberton hills.

As one local resident put it, “Sheba is Barberton’s heart. It’s been here longer than any of us and as long as it keeps beating, the town will keep shining.”

From the days of hand-held picks and mule carts to modern mechanised mining, Sheba has stood the test of time. Today, its tunnels stretch deep beneath the mountains, carrying forward a legacy of discovery, resilience, and community, proof that Barberton’s golden days are far from over.