South Africa seizes illegal mining tools in Mpumalanga
The South African authorities has announced seizure of mining equipment and coal in Carolina, Mpumalanga. The move is part of efforts to combat illegal coal mining activities in the country.
The police’s illicit mining task team confiscated mining equipment worth R60 million and coal valued at R12 million at an illegal coal mine in Carolina, Mpumalanga. A 53-year-old mine manager was arrested in connection with the illegal mining operation. It’s likely that charges related to illegal mining will be brought against the manager.
Illegal mining
The Authorities are also actively searching for the owner of the illegal mine, as it has been confirmed that the mine was not licensed or authorized to operate. Over the past 12 months, law enforcement has been conducting inspections at coal yards across the country to ensure compliance with regulations. As a result, 63 unregulated coal yards were shut down because they lacked the necessary authorization from government departments responsible for minerals resources and environmental oversight.
Through high-density operations, a total of 335 illegal miners have been arrested at various hotspots across the country since May 8. This highlights the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities. Acting national commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili mentioned the establishment of the NatJoints energy safety and security priority committee, which has intensified efforts to prevent and combat illegal mining activities. Collaboration with all relevant stakeholders is a key component of these efforts.
The authorities are also working on closing and rehabilitating abandoned mine shafts to prevent illegal mining activities from taking place in these areas. The South African government is taking a strong stance against illegal coal mining activities, with a focus on shutting down unregulated operations, arresting those involved, and collaborating with various agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the mining industry.
