Mantashe hellbent on intensifying crackdown on illegal mining

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe said government will continue to intensify its war against illicit mining.

The sale of mineral resources mined illegally from South Africa’s pits is estimated to cost the economy around R70 billion a year.

In addition to the electricity and logistics challenges faced by the mining industry – crime has also stifled the industry’s contribution to the formal economy.

Despite efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on the black-market trade, there are still concerns about criminality.

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Illegal mining is again among key concerns addressed at the annual Mining Indaba, which kicked off in Cape Town on Monday.

“Are we winning the war against zama zamas [illegal miners]? I don’t know. And can I tell you why I don’t know? Because it’s a criminal activity. You don’t regulate criminal activity.”

Mantashe said government will continue to do what is in its domain.

“What is on the role of the State is on derelict and ownerless mines. Concurrent rehabilitation is the responsibility of operational mines, so that work is being done parallel to each other.”