Government Reef Series

geology

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June 29, 2026

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The Government Reef Series is a geological formation within the Witwatersrand System in South Africa, dating back to the Precambrian era. This series is characterized by alternating layers of shale and quartzite, interspersed with pebbly layers that contain gold deposits. It also provides evidence of a significant period of glaciation. The Witwatersrand System itself is economically vital due to its substantial gold and uranium reserves. The Government Reef Series is part of the lower division of the Witwatersrand System, lying above the Dominion Reef System and below the Ventersdorp System.1

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Witwatersrand System
…lowermost Hospital Hill Series, the Government Reef Series, and the Jeppestown Series, respectively. The upper division is divided into the lower Main-Bird Series, followed by the Kimberley-Elsburg Series. The Government Reef Series consists of alternating shales and quartzites in addition to pebbly layers that contain gold deposits; it also contains…
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…lowermost Hospital Hill Series, the Government Reef Series, and the Jeppestown Series, respectively. The upper division is divided into the lower Main-Bird Series, followed by the Kimberley-Elsburg Series. The Government Reef Series consists of alternating shales and quartzites in addition to pebbly layers that contain gold deposits; it also contains…
Read More