Harmonisation of legislation urged to curb illegal mining

With abandoned mines at the centre of crime syndicates across the country, illegal mining continues to cost the country's economy more than R70 billion in gold a year.

- Thando Nondywana

According to officials, despite recent police crackdowns and military deployments, the situation remains the same.

This results in huge losses in revenue for the government and the mining sector.

More than 100 illegal miners resurfaced from underground at Margaret shaft in Stilfontein in the North West on Tuesday.

These followed the nearly 600 illegal miners who resurfaced over the weekend.

Former chair of the portfolio committee on mineral resources and energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, argued while strides had been made, real progress depended on amending laws that fail to establish clear custodianship and accountability for mining sites.

"We still face issues with derelict mines, which often revert to previous owners, or lack clear custodianship. Many problems arise from mines under maintenance or in business rescue, where dormant gold mines attract illegal mining," he said.