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Mail & Guardian

Illegal Mining South Africa

latest news & developments
Modernisation: Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026. Photo: Mining Indaba
ABU DHABI

AI funding set to bring mining into 21st century

Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe says the country faces challenges in developing an effective system for exploration and mining licences

  • Nkateko Joseph Mabasa
5 min read
The crisis at a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, North West, which has dragged on for months, has tested the ability of the government to curb illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi.. (File photo AP)
ABANDONED MINES SOUTH AFRICA

Survivors, corpses pulled from Stilfontein mine in ongoing operation

Since the start of operations to clear the mine, explosives, firearms, R52.49 million in cash, refined gold and gold-bearing material has been seized

  • MG Reporter
2 min read
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