On average, 40 mining shafts used by illegal miners closed every year - Mineral Resources Dept

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Mineral Resources closes on average about 40 mining shafts that illegal miners exploit.

This is the only way it can assist in combating the scourge of illegal mining, as Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe claims that it is a criminal matter which must be dealt with by police.

On Thursday, Mantashe briefed the media in Pretoria on the 2024 mining health and safety stats. 

He revealed that illegal mining of precious metals was estimated at R60 billion for 2024 alone.

“On average, we close about 40 holes a year. The total of these holes is 6100. They don’t belong to operational mines. They belong to ownerless mines that are derelict and no owner can be identified.”  

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