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Gwede Mantashe Calls for Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining

Gwede Mantashe Calls for Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining
Gwede Mantashe Calls for Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining

Gwede Mantashe, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, has called for a more decisive and targeted approach to tackling illegal mining, emphasizing its negative effects on the economy and its criminal nature.

During a visit to the Stilfontein mine in the North West this week, Mantashe, accompanied by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other officials, observed an operation aimed at bringing illegal miners to the surface. Mantashe stated that illegal mining is a criminal activity, and the police bear responsibility for addressing this aspect.

He explained, “This is a crime scene due to illegal mining. Once a rescue operation begins, I must coordinate with the mine rescue service, the Mineral Council, and the mine owners.”

Gwede Mantashe Calls for Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining

Gwede Mantashe Calls for Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining

Mantashe, a vocal critic of illegal mining, stressed the need for stronger action. “My view remains unchanged: illegal mining is a crime. What must change is how we tackle it, and we must intensify the fight against it,” he asserted.

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According to reports from IOL on Wednesday, 246 illegal miners were rescued and arrested during operations at Shaft 11 in Stilfontein this week. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that 78 bodies had been recovered from the site. Of those arrested, 128 were from Mozambique, 80 from Zimbabwe, and only five were South African nationals.

Mantashe underscored the serious economic impact of illegal mining, citing that the illicit trade in precious metals was estimated to have caused a loss of R60 billion to the economy in 2024. “This is not an economic contribution, but a drain,” he said.

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He reiterated that illegal mining represents a direct threat to the economy, calling it “a crime against the economy and an attack on it.” Mantashe remained firm in his stance, stating, “Unless someone can show me how illegal mining benefits the economy, I will not change my approach.”

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