Cape Town — Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, called for a better approach to fight against illegal mining, citing the harmful impact it has on the economy.
Mantashe visited the contentious Stilfontein mine in North West and joined a delegation of ministers, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, to keep an eye on operations to bring illegal miners to the surface. According to Mantashe, the criminal aspect of illegal mining is the responsibility of the police, IOL reported.
“Because there is illegal mining, this is a crime scene. Once a decision is taken to start a rescue operation, I must liaise with the mine rescue service, I must talk to the Mineral Council and talk to the owner of the operation.,” Mantashe said.
He was clear that the fight against illegal mining was to be stopped and he reiterated 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,” he said.
According to the latest figures on Wednesday evening, 78 bodies had been recovered from the site.
“At least 246 people have emerged alive in the first three days of the operation while 78 bodies were retrieved, police said in a statement, with the rescuers expecting to wrap up their efforts on Thursday,” police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says law enforcement officers will only leave the disused Stilfontein mine shaft when it is fully sealed.
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Mantashe reaffirmed his stance on the issue, emphasising the broader economic threat posed by illegal mining.
“In 2024, illicit precious metal trade was estimated at R60 billion. It is not valuable to the economy. It is a leakage from the economy,” he said.
Mantashe said illegal mining damages the environment and creates dangerous working conditions, while it also fuels criminal activities.
Mantashe called for a multi-faceted strategy that includes strengthening law enforcement with an increase in patrols and surveillance, rehabilitating old mines and closing mining sites to prevent exploitation.
He added that interagency collaboration by enhancing cooperation between government departments and law enforcement agencies will help dismantle illegal operations while engaging local communities would help create employment opportunities and improve working conditions to deter illegal mining activities.
Mantashe emphasised that empowering communities with economic opportunities is crucial for long-term success. By creating viable alternatives and addressing the root causes of illegal mining, the government can reduce its appeal and foster a more sustainable mining sector.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
