Mineral Resources Dept: Illegal mining should be reported

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has become the latest to react to the arrests of 20 people suspected of being illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West.

In addition to arresting the alleged zama-zamas, authorities also managed to seize 15 AK47s, six hunting rifles, two shotguns and one R5, boxes full of ammunition, explosives and an undisclosed amount of money.

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MINERAL RESOURCES WELCOMES ARRESTS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS

In a statement, the department welcomed the arrests of the suspected zama-zamas, but also encouraged communities to report illegal mining activities to local authorities.

“The DMRE appreciates the important role played by communities in fighting criminal activities and economic sabotage in society, including illegal mining. As such, we encourage members of communities to continue reporting any suspicious extraction minerals to law enforcement agencies,” the department said in a statement.

The department further said illegal mining activities have a negative impact on the economy, having cost it a staggering R49 billion in 2019.

“Illegal mining is a criminal activity that not only bleeds the economy, but also compromises national security and the integrity of our infrastructure.  The scourge of illegal mining, regardless of where it is being conducted, is of grave concern to the government. It is for this reason that the DMRE supports the efforts of law enforcement agencies and mining industry stakeholders to eliminate illegal mining activities”

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)