Illegal mining activities of serious concern to Mineral Resources Committee
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources is seriously concerned about ongoing illegal mining activities, which are rife in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga. The Committee learned with shock from the media that some illegal miners are trapped underground at a derelict mine in Langlaagte, Johannesburg.
“Although the Committee is aware of the sophisticated nature of the syndicate involved in illegal mining activities, it remains adamant that through cooperation amongst law enforcement agencies, relevant government departments and the Chamber of Mines, illegal mining can be curbed,” said Mr Sahlulele Luzipo, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources.
Throughout its oversight visit to illegal mining hot spots in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, the Committee discovered that foreign nationals make up a large proportion of those participating in illegal mining, and calls on the Department of Home Affairs to strengthen security at all ports of entry.
Mr Luzipo said that since illegal mining does not only take place at disused and derelict mines, it is incumbent on the Chamber of Mines to demonstrate effective self-regulatory measures. “They also need to play their part and show us how they are fighting the scourge in places where legal mining operations are taking place,” he said.
Along with the strengthening of legislation dealing with illegal mining, the Committee believes that a multifaceted approach involving all relevant stakeholders will yield positive results.
The Committee further calls on all spheres of government to speak with one voice on matters of this nature, taking a cue from the Department of Mineral Resources as the overseer and policy custodian.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Justice Molafo
Tel: 021 403 8444
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
