Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has called on all stakeholders to work together to eradicate illegal mining in the Gauteng province.
The Minister further indicated to the families of trapped illegal miners that rescue teams will this afternoon assess the levels of carbon dioxide underground, to determine whether rescue operations can resume.
The department is working together with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. Thus far over 800 arrests have been made and weekly disruptive operations are undertaken.
Over 200 holes have been closed by the department and mining companies, thus cutting off illegal access to disused mining operations.
"One of our biggest tasks is to get to the syndicates behind these operations, as well as the markets they're supplying," Minister Zwane said.
Regular updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
