There are a number of ”large networks” involved in illegal mining activity on the Free State gold fields, Parliament’s select committee on economic and foreign affairs heard on Wednesday.
Briefing members, South Africa’s chief inspector of mines, May Hermanus, said the illegal mining is taking place via disused shafts and tunnels in the gold-fields area, which is centred on Odendaalsrus, Virginia and Welkom.
It is characterised by ”lots of threats and corruption”, and involves illegal blasting and the use of mercury to extract the gold from the ore.
In some cases, whole groups of illegal miners are living underground while carrying out their activities.
Hermanus said her inspectorate is ”working with the South African Police Service to try and break these networks”.
The illegal mining poses a threat to safety in the area, and has caused many underground fires.
According to the inspectorate’s latest annual report, for the 12 months ending March 31 this year, ”illegal mining in the Free State did not enjoy the same amount of publicity as in previous years, but there is no doubt the activity is still rampant”.
Theft of gold and platinum is ”considered a serious threat to the continued existence of these industries, and efforts are being directed at addressing this problem”.
”Unfortunately, it is almost always the ‘small fry’ that land in the net, while the ‘brains’ behind the operations escape the law,” the report states. — Sapa