South Africa initiates major crackdown on illegal mining

South African authorities have arrested nearly 1,000 undocumented migrants involved in illegal gold mining at the historic Sheba Mine in Mpumalanga province, in one of the country’s largest operations against illicit mining in recent years.

The arrests took place during a week-long police operation, dubbed Operation Vala Umgodi, which targeted clandestine mining activities near the town of Barberton, close to the borders with Eswatini and Mozambique.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli confirmed the arrests and noted that further detentions are expected as additional miners continue to emerge from underground shafts. “As they are coming out, they have been taken,” he said.

Illegal mining

The individuals arrested were reportedly working underground without legal documentation. They now face immigration-related charges and violations connected to illegal mining. Authorities also suspect that some of those detained may be minors.

Barberton Mines, the owner of Sheba Mine, welcomed the crackdown, blaming illegal mining for contributing to its operational challenges. “Earlier this year, there was an outcry from the community and employees when Barberton Mines retrenched workers as the mine was unprofitable and facing closure. Now we know the reason why,” the company said in a statement.

Sheba Mine, one of the oldest gold mines in South Africa, dates back to the 1880s and has long played a significant role in the country’s gold industry. However, rising theft, safety risks, and operational costs have severely impacted its profitability.

Illegal miners commonly known as zama-zamas operate in both abandoned and active mine shafts using basic equipment and unregulated practices. Many of them are undocumented migrants from neighboring countries, while others are South African nationals driven to the trade by economic hardship.

South Africa has an estimated 6,000 disused mines, many of which have become hotspots for unlawful mining. The recent operation signals a growing effort by the government to reassert control over the country’s mining sector and crack down on associated criminal activities.