Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has welcomed strides being made to halt illegal mining in Limpopo.
This follows efforts by the department, in partnership with the South African Police Service, in issuing an order for illegal chrome mining operations on the R37 between Polokwane and Burgersfort, Limpopo to cease.
The operations were taking place at Winterveldt 417 SK, Jaglust 418 SK and Zeekoegat 421 SK farms.
Members of the department's compliance unit and law enforcement agencies raided the illegal mining sites this week, while the local Sheriff served those operations with a court order ceasing all operations immediately.
Criminal cases will be opened against those found to be operating illegally. Law enforcement agencies will further investigate those cases with the aim of bringing to book the perpetrators. Illegal mining is prohibited in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the National Environmental Management Act. The perpetrators were operating without a mining permit, prospecting right or mining right as well as no environmental authorisation.
The department is always ready to assist communities. In terms of the MPRDA, communities can lodge a preferential prospecting or mining right and the department will assist accordingly, in cases where there are no existing applications, permits or rights.
The department will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to implement measures, such as these, to ultimately eradicate illegal mining.
For further media enquiries, contact Mr Martin Madlala on 0635054199/ Martin.Madlala@dmr,gov.za
