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Location |
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Welkom is a city in the Free State province of South Africa, with a population in 2001 of 408,173. It lies 160 kilometres northeast of Bloemfontein, the provincial capital. |
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History |
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Welkom would not have been here today if it was not for the discovery of gold. In 1896 two men namely Mr. Donaldson, a prospector and Mr. Hinds, an Engineer investigated a portion on the farm, Zoeten-Inval. The farm belonged to a Mr. Barends Kloppers. The two men where interested in a small outcrop of rock in about two feet in length which appeared to be conglomerate pebble reef. The men decided to return to England to have their samples analysed when disaster struck. They sailed the ill-fated Drummond Castle which sank in the bay of Biscay off the coast of France where all aboard drowned. In 1904 Mr. Arthur Megson a prospector decided to investigate for himself and the farm had been divided into portions. The portion where the outcrop was situated was now called Aandenk. After a few days of Investigation all the samples where taken to a friend of Mr. Megson at the University of Witwatersrand with good news that followed. After years of research an achievement of scientific knowledge and personal courage, it led to the great discovery of gold and the establishment of a massive mining complex. |
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Economy |
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The city is the hub of the Free State gold fields, serving several gold and uranium mines. In addition to mineral ore, Welkom produces such goods as steel, lumber, and beef. The city has a technical college and a technological institute. Welkom is served by a small airport and a branch of the main railway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The city is internationally known for the Grand Prix racing circuit located at its edge. |
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Climate |
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Welkom normally receives about 401mm of rain per year, with most rainfall occurring mainly during mid summer. It receives the lowest rainfall (0mm) in July and the highest (70mm) in January. The average midday temperatures for Welkom range between 17°C in June to 29°C in January. The region is the coldest during July when the mercury drops to 0°C on average during the night. |
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