KROONDAL’S ILLEGAL MINERS FACE THE LAW

Rustenburg/ Kroondal – In a significant operation, Kroondal witnessed a crackdown on illegal mining (Zama Zamas) on Tuesday 20 February 2024. 

‘It’s happening right under our noses’
Platinum Weekly spoke to an experienced figure in the mining sector, who chose to remain anonymous. He highlighted multifaceted challenges posed by illegal mining, emphasising the powerful, organised crime syndicates, making law enforcement efforts particularly complex. 

It’s a highly organised crime, run by mafia networks 
“Illegal mining is not merely a breach of law; it’s a sophisticated operation backed by influential mafia networks, which complicates crackdown efforts,” he explained.

The economic and environmental stakes are high in Rustenburg, a region deeply intertwined with the mining industry. Illegal miners not only evade taxes and bypass the legal requisites for mining operations, such as obtaining mineral rights and mining licenses, but their activities are also marked by violence and environmental degradation. “The absence of environmental considerations and safety measures in illegal mining operations is alarming. Whereas legitimate mines adhere to strict environmental and safety standards, illegal miners operate without regard for such regulations, posing significant risks,” the industry insider added.

He also emphasised the profitability of illegal mining, highlighting that regardless of the miners’ skill levels, the underground nature of their operations allows them to reap substantial profits by selling mined minerals on the black market. “This underground market thrives irrespective of whether the miners are skilled or not, making it a highly lucrative venture for those involved,” he noted.

No safety concerns 
Further complicating the issue, legitimate mining companies are often left to address the fallout from illegal mining activities. Communities surrounding these illicit operations frequently report safety concerns, particularly involving children who wander into dangerous, unregulated mining sites, risking injury. Additionally, illegal mining can lead to environmental hazards, such as flooding, which not only pose direct risks to these communities but also leave lasting scars on the landscape. “When these areas are abandoned post-exploitation, especially after incidents like flooding, the local communities look to legitimate mining companies for solutions,” he added. 

“Industry stakeholders have taken a tough stance on Zama Zamas (illegal miners), but are law enforcement agencies doing enough to stop the scourge?” he asked. 

The involvement of organised crime syndicates in illegal mining activities introduces a layer of danger, making intervention by legitimate entities both risky and complex.

It’s costing SA billions! 
A report by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) underscores the magnitude of the issue, with illegal mining and illicit trade in precious metals and diamonds estimated to cost around R7 billion annually (this figure was estimated in 2017!), including heightened security costs to protect mines from invasions by syndicates. South Africa, being a leading producer of platinum and chrome, faces substantial losses due to these illegal activities, despite global price fluctuations.

The report also states that there are between 8,000 and 30,000 illegal miners reported to work in South Africa, including common reports of child labour and other human rights abuses.

Estimates place the illegal mining and export of chrome ore at nearly 1 million tonnes per year – more than 10% of South Africa’s legal chrome output.

Arrested appeared before court 
The police operation, dubbed ‘Vala Umgodi’, led to the arrest of 71 illegal immigrants and eight illegal miners, alongside the seizure of mining material and equipment. From 16 to 20 February 2024, an intelligence-led enforcement strategy involved an impressive array of participants: the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Special Task Force (STF), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Airwing, Mounted Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9 units, Visible Policing, and mine security. This comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach underscored the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the challenge of illegal mining, showcasing a concerted effort to safeguard the region’s economic and environmental wellbeing. Colonel Adéle Myburgh reported that the three individuals apprehended in Kroondal for illegal mining activities — Poncho Motlalepula (26), Petros Mosia (41), and Andries Madire (44) — have been detained and are awaiting their next court hearing set for Thursday, 29 February 2024. In light of these developments, the North West provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Sello Kwena, praised the commitment and effort of the teams responsible for these critical arrests and confiscations. 

Main Photo: One of the illegal miners arrested in a recent police operation.