Latest News & Developments
Five undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in Germiston, Duduza, and KwaThema during an EMPD operation targeting illegal mining in Ekurhuleni. Officers also seized equipment including Phendukas and gas cylinders.
The rise of illegal mining in the country has raised human rights concerns and questions about who ultimately benefits.
More than five months after Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, police confirm 156 cases involving 1 831 suspects remain pending. While over 1 000 miners have been found guilty on charges ranging from illegal mining to immigration violations, human rights organisations argue these are 'crimes of poverty' that could be resolved through proper regulation of abandoned mines.
South African police arrested 19 suspects during weekend operations targeting illegal mining in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The arrests included undocumented foreign nationals, suspected illegal miners, and individuals with gold-bearing material. A separate serious crime arrest was also made in connection with a rape case, as authorities continue efforts to combat crime and illegal mining activities.
South Africa's mining industry faces a crisis, with over 6,000 abandoned mines posing safety risks and economic challenges for communities. Explore the implications of these derelict sites and the urgent need for action.
The committee has been called on to immediately exercise its legislative oversight functions and convene an urgent public hearing to hold the department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources accountable for its alleged failures.
The organisations called on the portfolio committee to immediately exercise its legislative oversight functions.
The organisations called on the portfolio committee to immediately exercise its legislative oversight functions.
The South African government’s approach - “smoking out” miners and branding them as criminals - fails to address the root causes of the crisis. Instead, it exacerbates their suffering, reducing them to obstacles in the state’s pursuit of control over mining resources, writes Dr Jonathan Mark Hoskins.
Horrendous images of the emaciated figures of the living and the dead as they were brought to the surface at Stilfontein show the failure of Operation Vala Umgodi
The union says Tshoaeli is a red herring, conveniently used by the police to deflect from their own complicity in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Residents of Khuma want the abandoned mine reopened to create jobs and boost the local economy, but mining expert Ingrid Watson warns that financial and safety concerns make this unlikely. While illegal mining has supported local businesses, it has also fueled crime and violence. Experts suggest alternative job creation strategies, but residents remain frustrated, calling for government action.
In Stilfontein, the government’s crackdown on illegal mining was meant to restore order. But for residents like Rita de Sonsa, the absence of the miners has brought economic despair and uncertainty. As businesses crumble and hunger rises, the community is left questioning whether the crackdown did more harm than good.
The community of Stilfontein demands accountability for the deaths of illegal miners as the alleged kingpin ‘Tiger’ remains on the run.
Discover how South Africa's innovative Mobile Mines Rescue Winder played a pivotal role in rescuing 246 miners from the Stilfontein mine tragedy, showcasing the nation's engineering capabilities.
Sebei warned that their conditions will worsen if there are further delays.
A study conducted by Bench Marks Foundation, a religious non-profit organisation that monitors companies in South Africa and in the region, found that licensed mining companies purchase gold from illegal miners.
Major crackdown in Limpopo leads to the arrest of 20 suspects for illegal mining and drug dealing, with police seizing chrome valued at over R1 million.
South Africa grapples with a legacy of mining disasters, calling for urgent reforms to ensure worker safety.
PA Deputy President Kenny Kunene remains defiant after sharing controversial social media posts calling for capital punishment for illegal miners, prompting EFF to threaten human rights commission action.
The union wants police to allow a public inspection of the shaft.
The EFF is set to report Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene to the SA Human Rights Commission over a graphic image on X that threatened illegal miners.
Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng expresses outrage over the escape of alleged illegal mining kingpin James Neo Tshoaeli, urging accountability for those involved.
The union wants police to allow a public inspection of the shaft.
The 2025 Mining Indaba in Cape Town faces unprecedented challenges as industry leaders prepare to address critical issues including illegal mining crisis, logistical constraints, and policy uncertainties.