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ABSTRACT: Illegal mining remains one of the growing socio-economic problems in the Republic of South
Africa, particularly in Gauteng province. It is well documented and recognised that illegal mining has an array
of implications and challenges. It is against this background that the Gauteng Department of Community Safety
conducted a study between April to August 2016 with a view to explore the problem at hand. The study
employed qualitative research methods, wherein expert interviews were used for data gathering purposes, while
the thematic approach was applied to analyse data. The study reveals pertinent issues, chief amongst others
include lack of an integrated strategy to address illegal mining, weak coordination between key role players,
and a fragmented policing approach to illegal mining. Additionally, the study indicates that crimes such as
property related crime and house burglary are among other types of crime that are associated with illegal
mining activities. The study put forward several recommendations with a view to improve and strengthen illegal
mining strategies. These include, enhancing collaboration and coordination among key stakeholders including
police and the Department of Mineral Resources, relaxing mining legislation to promote small scale mining, as
well as strengthening compliance with mining legislation.
Keywords: small scale mining; Artisanal mining; surface mining; underground illegal mining; levels of illegal
mining;
I. INTRODUCTION
The triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality remains one of the thorniest socio-
economic challenges confronting South Africa presently. It could be argued that one of the key manifestations of
the above mentioned problems is illegal mining. It has been reported that illegal mining in South Africa and
Gauteng in particular is on the rise (Chamber of Mines South Africa, 2016). The prevalence of illegal mining
could be attributed to a number of abandoned mines in the country and in the province. For instance it has been
established that there are more than 6 000 abandoned mines across South Africa, while it is further estimated
that there are about 600 abandoned mines in Gauteng Province alone (Debut, 2015).
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) defines illegal mining as conducting mining activities
without mining rights (News 24: 26 June 2014). Illegal mining is an extremely dangerous undertaking as those
who partake in this endeavour are often heavily armed and in possession of explosives normally used for setting
traps for mine employees, security personnel and rival gangs (Chamber of Mines, 2016). Illegal mining has
spurred on gang rivalry and turf wars which are on the rise because illegal mining syndicates vying and fighting
for mining space (News 24, 26 June 2014). The aim of this article is to present the findings and
recommendations emanating from the study undertaken by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety to
explore socio-economic, intergovernmental and policing implications of illegal mining in the Gauteng Province.
The most common denominator in the illegal mining concept is embarking on illegal mining activities
without a permit or license from the Department of Mineral Resources. In contrast to these definitions, the
Benchmarks Foundation (2016) asserts that illegal mining is as a result of improper closure of mining shafts,
which makes it easier for illegal miners to access the abandoned mines.
As already indicated earlier, most of the illegal miners are said to be foreign nationals who are recruited
by the handlers and syndicates who promise them monetary rewards and a better life. Figure1 illustrates that
illegal miners, that is, the foot soldiers who actually go underground to engage in physical digging are at the
bottom end of the illegal mining value chain. The second tier in the value chain comprises of groups or gangs
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Implications of illegal mining in Gauteng Province
who ensure the safety and security of illegal miners against rival groups. Additionally, the second tier typically
involves various ethnic groups based on nationality. Furthermore, it should be noted that the groups within the
second level are also responsible for recruitment and provision of basic necessities such as water, food, clothes,
lighting as well as other tools used in illegal mining operations.
The next level within the value chain is made up of syndicates or bulk buyers who are primarily
responsible for establishing both a local and international network of buyers and transportation. Most
importantly, their primary responsibility is to ensure that the gold or diamonds are transported, delivered and
distributed nationally and internationally using authentic companies.
The fourth level within the syndicate network comprises of Front Company Exporters. According to
one illegal mining expert, these groups consist of well-connected syndicates who export diamonds or gold to
large international syndicates. Finally, the last level is made up of International Intermediate syndicate groups
who further distribute the diamonds or gold to their respective countries.
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In this study, experts in the area under investigation were interviewed. These included officials from the
Department of Mineral Resources, the Benchmarks Foundation, the Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR), the Chamber of Mines, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety as well as members of
South African Police Service (SAPS).In addition, the researcher employed secondary data methods where the
existing literature and information was reviewed.
IV. FINDINGS
Based on the submissions of respondents which are consistent with the literature, there are a plethora of factors
that could be attributed to the persistence and proliferation of illegal mining activities in South Africa,
particularly Gauteng province.
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The researchers established that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not yet made
overtures to the countries of origin of illegal miners in the quest to promote government to government
responses to deal with the scourge. Furthermore, efforts by the researchers to contact identified embassies
purported to be countries of origin of illegal miners drew a blank.
VI. CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of the study, it could be deduced that illegal mining is gaining momentum and
primacy in Gauteng Province. Worth noting is the fact that illegal mining permeates various aspects of society
such as socio-economic conditions, political factors and policing matters among others. The study further
concludes that a multi-sectoral response is imperative if the province or the country is to turn the tide against
illegal mining. Subsequently, the study recommends that various short, medium and long term mechanisms
should be implemented to mitigate this problem. Recommended interventions include promotion and
formalisation of small scale mining through relaxation of legislation and red tape. Furthermore, explicit
legislation is required to criminalise illegal mining activities so as to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators
involved in this elicit activity.
As a result of the findings of the study, the following issues remain pertinent. First and foremost, the
study reveals that illegal mining remains one of the growing and persistent socio-economic problems confronted
by the country. Growing evidence suggests that if the challenges emanating from illegal mining remain
unabated, it has huge potential to undermine the developmental agenda as well as socio-economic policy
trajectories of the country. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to realise that no single solution exists to
succinctly and systematically address the scourge of illegal mining. The law enforcement agencies, non-
governmental organisations as well as the Chamber of Mines should develop a concerted and joint strategy with
interventions to improve the situation.
Flowing from the findings of the study as well as its limitations, the researchers recommend that such
research topics are worth pursuing in future. There is a need to undertake a large sample survey which includes
illegal miners with a view to better understand their operations. Secondly, there should a study to ascertain the
link between illegal mining and gangsterism in Gauteng province. Lastly, there is a need to investigate the
channels or routes used to transport minerals produced from illegal mining activities, this will include the
recipients and who verifying the authenticity of those minerals.
The researchers have deduced that illegal mining is gaining momentum and primacy in the country.
Worth noting is the fact that illegal mining permeates various aspects of society such as socio-economic
conditions, political factors and policing matters among others. The study further concludes that a multi-sectoral
response is imperative if the province or the country is to turn the tide against illegal mining. Subsequently, the
study recommends that various short, medium and long term mechanisms should be implemented to mitigate
this problem. Recommended interventions include promotion and formalization of small scale mining through
relaxation of legislation and red tape. Furthermore, explicit legislation is required to criminalise illegal mining
activities so as to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators involved in this elicit activity.
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