Final answer:
Businesses in South Africa's mining industry need to invest in capital goods, such as new technologies and heavy machinery, to efficiently extract valuable natural resources. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the text, it is important for businesses in South Africa's mining industry to invest in capital goods. This includes new technologies and heavy machinery, which are necessary for extracting natural resources such as gold and diamonds from the earth. Capital goods are physical assets that a company uses in the production process to manufacture products and services that they can then offer to customers.
The mining industry in South Africa is a significant part of the economy, and investing in heavy machinery and technology is crucial for the industry to thrive. These investments will enable the mining companies to extract resources more efficiently and sustainably, directly influencing their production capabilities. The mining culture in South Africa has historically been tightly regulated and significant to the economy due to the abundance of minerals like gold and diamonds.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is b. capital goods.