Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
south africa mining crisislatest news & developments
Standoff: Zama zamas mining at abandoned sites exacerbate environmental harm and cause security issues. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
ARTISANAL MINING SOUTH AFRICA

Illegal mining proliferates when the state fails to issue closure certificates and regulate compliance

The problem has wide-ranging socio-economic and environmental impacts, says a draft mine closure strategy

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
There are thought to be at least 50 000 informal miners working underground in South Africa. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
ARTISANAL MINING

Failure to implement policy contributing to illegal mining crisis

Association says the government does not ‘have the will to act’ and the solution is regulation to allow artisanal miners to work legally

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read