Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu has warned illegal miners operating in the West Rand that the law will soon catch up with them.
Speaking at a follow-up meeting to address concerns about illegal mining activities in the area, she also encouraged the West Rand community to report any illegal mining activities to the authorities.
“Illegal mining poses a danger not only to the miners themselves, but to the communities, as well as the economy and existing mines,” Minister Shabangu said.
Since July this year, 10 “disruption operations” have been conducted by law enforcement agencies. A total of 15 illegal miners were arrested, as well as 135 illegal immigrants, and 1 135 bags of sand and gold concentrate were confiscated. The illegal connection of municipal water, which was impacting negatively on residents, has also been stopped. Water is an integral component in the mining process.
The Minister visited the West Rand area in July this year, during which she undertook, together with the law enforcement agencies, to ensure that this matter was dealt with speedily, in the interests of the communities, the country’s mineral resources and the broader economy.
“We need to develop and implement a lasting solution to eliminate these illegal mining activities. We must also integrate our approach around Gauteng to ensure that we have a common strategy,” the Minister concluded.
The DMR convenes the Gauteng Illegal Mining Stakeholder Forum (GIMSF) meetings on a monthly basis, and participates in the Mines Crime Combating Forums (MCCF) that are convened by the SAPS. The latter was formed a week after the Minister’s visit to the area.
Stakeholders represented in the MCCF include law enforcement agencies, business and the Department of Home Affairs.
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