Springs

Springs, town, Gauteng province, South Africa. It lies in the Witwatersrand, just east of Johannesburg, at an elevation of 5,338 feet (1,627 metres). Founded as a coal-mining camp in 1885, it was sustained by the mining of gold beginning in 1908 and was incorporated in 1912. It became the largest single gold-producing area in the world by about the mid-20th century. Manufacturing (including paper, foodstuffs, and cosmetics) has now replaced gold mining as the main economic activity. Other industries include steel production and uranium processing. Springs is home to several sports facilities, and the town hosts an annual singing competition. Pop. (2001) 80,776.