WATCH | It’s a ‘war on SA economy’ – Mantashe responds to Stilfontein rescue backlash

Cape Town – Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has reiterated the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, describing it as a crime against the economy.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Stilfontein mine in the North West on Tuesday, Mantashe emphasised the criminal nature of illegal mining and its estimated R60 billion annual loss to the economy through illicit trade in precious metals.

He and Police Minister Senzo Mkhize were part of a delegation overseeing rescue operations at Shaft 11 of the Buffelsfontein gold mine.

[WATCH] Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visits Stilfontein, North West. Mine rescue experts have resumed operations to retrieve illegal miners who remain underground in disused mine shafts. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/13qVCbyP6V

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 14, 2025

Efforts have included retrieving at least 35 illegal miners, nine of whom were found deceased. Of those rescued, 21 were South Africans.

Mantashe reaffirmed that the fight against illegal mining must be intensified, stressing its detrimental economic impact and criminality.

“The reality of the matter is that I have not changed my view that illegal mining is a criminal activity. What will never shift to me is the way we deal with illegal mining. It should be intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the minister as saying.

During a media briefing in Stilfontein, Minister Mantashe emphasized that “The criminal aspect of illegal mining is the responsibility of police.” Collaborative efforts are vital to addressing this crisis.#IllegalMining | #Stilfontein | #OperationValaUmgodi pic.twitter.com/NN6mkLjpF8

— Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ‏ (@DMRE_ZA) January 14, 2025

Mantashe addressed criticism regarding the government’s response to illegal mining, saying that such activities are criminal and under police jurisdiction.

He described illegal mining as a “war on the economy,” costing South Africa an estimated R60 billion in 2024 due to illicit precious metal trade.

“In 2024, illicit precious metal trade was estimated at R60bn. It is not value to the economy. It is a leakage from the economy.

“Until you show me something different about illegal mining, that it adds value to the economy, I cannot change my approach and stance,” Mantsahe said.

Mantashe clarified his role in coordinating rescue operations, including working with Mine Rescue Services, the Minerals Council, and mine owners.

He insisted that mine owners must take responsibility for securing shafts that enable illegal mining, while the state rehabilitates derelict, ownerless mines.

Operation Vala Umgodi, launched in 2024 to combat illegal mining in the North West, has resulted in over 1,500 arrests.