Eswatini is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, rich in natural resources that contribute significantly to its economy.
The country sits on the Kaapvaal Craton, one of the oldest and most intact continental crusts in the world, dating back 3.6 billion years.
This geological base contains valuable minerals like diamonds, coal, gold, kaolin, silica sand, manganese, copper, nickel, and tin.
However, most of these deposits are small and underused. Coal mining at Maloma Mine is one of the few active operations.
Forests cover 33% of Eswatini, bringing in $15.92 million each year through timber and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration.
Agriculture thrives on fertile soil, with sugarcane making up 92% of agricultural exports. Recent geoscience studies have uncovered new mineral systems, boosting exploration opportunities.
Eswatini’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here’s a list of natural resources that can be found in Eswatini, including their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Coal | Maloma Mine (Eastern Eswatini) |
| Diamonds | Small deposits across the country, particularly near the Lubombo Plateau |
| Gold | Found in small deposits, primarily in the Middleveld region |
| Kaolin | Middleveld region, formed from weathered Precambrian rocks |
| Silica Sand | Deposits scattered across Eswatini |
| Cassiterite (Tin) | Lubombo Plateau |
| Forests (Timber) | Middleveld and Highveld regions; commercial plantations of pine and eucalyptus |
| Hydropower Potential | Rivers such as the Great Usutu River, Komati River, Mbuluzi River |
| Quarry Stone | Various locations across Eswatini |
| Talc | Found in small deposits |
| Arable Land (Agriculture) | Fertile soils in the Middleveld and Lowveld regions; sugarcane plantations dominate |
Eswatini’s Natural Resource Discoveries
Eswatini’s natural resources were uncovered through geological surveys, scientific mapping, and environmental studies over time.
These findings include minerals, forests, and agricultural land, all of which contribute to the country’s growth. Eswatini’s mineral wealth is tied to the ancient geology of the Kaapvaal Craton, which is 3.6 billion years old.
Key discoveries include diamonds found near the Lubombo Plateau during the late 20th century. Although deposits are small, diamonds have become Eswatini’s second-largest mineral export. Coal was discovered in the 1970s due to stratigraphic studies of the Karoo Supergroup.
The Maloma Mine in eastern Eswatini is still active. Kaolin was discovered in the Middleveld region after weathering studies of Precambrian rocks in the early 2000s.
Gold was discovered in small amounts through rubidium-strontium in 1976. Eswatini’s forest resources were assessed through national inventories and satellite imagery. In 1999, it was found that forests covered 33% of the country’s land.
Pine and eucalyptus plantations were set up in the Middleveld and Highveld regions. Recent studies between 2020 and 2024 estimated that Eswatini’s forests store around 9 million tons of carbon.
However, afforestation programs started in the early 2000s to restore degraded land. These efforts boosted timber production and export potential. The fertile soils in the Middleveld and Lowveld regions were discovered through soil composition analysis.
Sugarcane farming expanded in the 1990s due to irrigation improvements. By 2024, sugar had become 92% of the country’s agricultural exports.
Early Cretaceous weathering produced rich oxisols and cambisols, which are perfect for growing crops like cotton, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
Water resources were mapped to reveal aquifers in central and western Eswatini. Fracture-flow aquifers were discovered along a north-south band in the late 1990s. Volcanic aquifers were identified in the eastern part of the country, with moderate yields suitable for irrigation.
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Viability Of Eswatini’s Natural Resources
Eswatini’s mineral deposits, such as diamonds, coal, gold, kaolin, and copper-nickel-platinum group elements, have varying levels of potential.
Coal production at the Maloma Mine has been steady since the 1970s, delivering high-quality anthracite coal. However, its reserves are limited, making large-scale growth difficult.
Gold mining picked up after the Lufafa Gold Mine reopened in 2016, with a nearby treatment facility improving efficiency. Yet, the small size of deposits still hampers production.
From 2021 to 2024, the geoscience mapping project discovered mineral-rich areas in the Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni, and Lubombo regions.
These findings open up exploration opportunities, but commercial viability will need substantial investment to confirm.
The forestry sector is a key contributor to Eswatini’s economy, with established plantations and notable environmental benefits.
Commercial plantations cover 22.6% of the country’s land, mainly growing pine and eucalyptus for timber and pulp exports, generating $15.92 million annually.
Additionally, forests help store around 9 million tons of carbon. However, wildfires and pests pose a threat to forest health. Eswatini’s agriculture is viable but faces challenges due to climate change.
Sugarcane farming, which makes up 92% of agricultural exports, is supported by irrigation systems in the Lowveld region.
Agroforestry programs like SAPEMP have been successful in regenerating 40,000 hectares of land between 2020 and 2024. Projects at Maguga Dam, Hendrick Van Eck Dam, and Sand River Dam have improved soil and crop productivity.
Every dollar invested in agroforestry under SAPEMP returned $1.46–$1.52 through better yields and reduced hazards.
Water resources in Eswatini are essential for agriculture and energy. The country’s four hydropower plants supply 15–17% of its energy, with Maguga Dam alone generating 19.8 MW each year. Surveys have also discovered fracture-flow aquifers in central Eswatini.
Export Potential Of Eswatini’s Natural Resources
| Resources | Export Value | Major Market |
|---|---|---|
| Minerals | Contributes 2% of total exports | South Africa and Mozambique |
| Raw Sugar | 700,000 tonnes/year; $405M annually | South Africa, EU (Ireland, France) |
| Timber and Pulpwood | $15.92M annually | South Africa, EU |
| Scented Mixtures | $596M annually (largest export) | South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria |
| Industrial Fatty Acids | $262M annually | South Africa, Mozambique |
| Nitrogen Compounds | $89.2M annually | South Africa |
1. Mineral Exports
Eswatini exports minerals like diamonds, coal, and gold, though they make up only 2% of total exports. Ongoing geoscience projects aim to find larger reserves for export growth.
Diamonds are primarily sent to South Africa, ranking second after asbestos. However, small deposit sizes limit scalability. Coal, mainly anthracite from Maloma Mine, is exported to neighboring countries like Mozambique.
Its production has been stable since the 1970s. Gold exports resumed after Lufafa Gold Mine reopened in 2016, boosted by nearby processing facilities.
2. Agricultural Exports
Agriculture is a major part of Eswatini’s exports, with sugar being the top contributor. The country produces 700,000 tonnes of sugar annually, exporting 92% of it.
Primary markets include South Africa, Ireland, and France. The sugar industry employs over 20,000 people and is highly competitive due to its high yields.
Emerging agricultural products, such as strawberries and melons, are also gaining traction, especially in regional markets.
3. Forestry And Energy Exports
The forestry sector contributes $15.92 million annually, with timber and pulpwood exports to South Africa and Europe.
Renewable energy projects, including solar and bagasse energy, have future export potential as infrastructure improves.
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Economic Impact Of Eswatini’s Natural Resources
Agriculture, forestry, and mining contribute to the country’s GDP, employment, and trade.
1. Minerals
The mining sector adds about 2% to Eswatini’s GDP. Key minerals include diamonds, coal, and gold. The Maloma Mine has been producing anthracite coal for export since the 1970s. However, limited reserves and fluctuating global prices reduce its economic potential.
Gold mining resumed in 2016 with the reopening of the Lufafa Gold Mine. Though small-scale, it provides jobs and generates export revenue. Fewer than 1,000 people work directly in mining, but many Swazis work in South African mines.
2. Forestry
Forestry is essential to Eswatini’s economy, contributing $15.92 million annually. It employs 14% of the formal workforce in timber production and processing.
The country’s forests also mitigate climate change, storing approximately 9 million tons of carbon while supporting sustainable timber production.
3. Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of Eswatini’s economy, and it contributes 7.2% to the GDP. Sugarcane is the largest agricultural export, making up 92% of agricultural output.
The Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation produces over 430,000 tons of sugar annually and employs more than 20,000 people. Horticultural crops like citrus fruits are also gaining attention in regional markets.
4. Energy Resources
Eswatini imports 60% of its electricity from South Africa, but renewable energy is gaining ground. Hydropower plants and surplus energy from sugar mills support local power grids.