Mining is an important sector in Mpumalanga providing jobs and contributing to over one fifth of Mpumalanga's GGP (Gross Geographic Product). Extensive coal resources are situated in the western and southwestern part of the Province and sustain several large coal-fired power stations situated on the highveld between Witbank, Standerton, Piet Retief and Carolina, as well as and the petrochemical plants in the area. The Witbank coalfield lies between Bethal and Springs in Gauteng Province, while the southern highveld coalfield lies between Secunda and Standerton and the eastern highveld coalfield lies between Ermelo and Volksrust.

Gold mining, iron ore as well as chrome, and alusite, magnetite and vanadium quarrying contribute considerably to the mining sector. Approximately 24 tonnes of gold were produced by 9 gold mines in Evander and Barberton in 1996. Iron ore mined at the Mapoch mine north of Roossenekal is processed near Witbank. Chrome, alusite, magnetite and vanadium are mined further east in the Lydenburg district, while their are also deposits of fire clay, silver, asbestos, nickel, platinum group metals, limestone, semiprecious stones, silica and talc in the province.

The total sales value of all minerals mined in Mpumalanga in 1996 amounted to R13,4 billion, of which coal represented 85% of this (MII, 2003). The demand for coal for electricity generation and other minerals, is a driving force which is placing increasing pressure on the natural environment, such as the mining of non-renewable fossil fuels and burning of coal to generate electricity.

Apart from the demand for such non-renewable natural resources, other typical environmental impacts associated with the mining sector include the loss of biodiverstiy due to the transformation of natural habitats and ecosystems. Mining processes usually require massive amounts of water and this creates a huge demand on available water resources. Furthermore, surface and groundwater pollution often results from acid mine drainage when soil and rock overburden or waste rock and tailings are exposed to air and water and through chemical processes, release large quantities of iron and sulfate into solution which produces an acidic solution known as acid mine drainage. Other impacts include air pollution, noise pollution and the visual impact of large open cast mining operations.