Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – In a tragic incident that has left the mining community in South Africa reeling, some thirty suspected illegal miners were found dead at the bottom of a disused mine, in Welkom, a small gold-mining town located 250 km south of Johannesburg. The discovery was made a month after a probable accident, and the shocking news has sent shockwaves through the region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the dead were illegal miners, also known as zama-zamas, who had entered the mine illegally, without the consent of the owner. SAPS spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, noted that the “bodies were found with head injuries, consistent with rock falls. It is suspected that they were working underground with no safety equipment, and the mine was unstable with rock falls happening regularly.”
The incident highlights the dangers that illegal miners face across South Africa. The country has a long history of illegal mining, with many people, including foreigners, entering the industry to make a living. However, their activities often occur without any formal safety measures and are therefore prone to accidents, such as collapses, toxic gas leaks, and fires.
Illegal mining is a significant issue in South Africa, and it is estimated that over 30,000 people are involved in this activity. The country, which is also the world’s largest producer of gold, has a large number of abandoned and disused mines that are exploited by illegal miners. These operations can be dangerous, with miners often using hazardous chemicals to extract the gold, leading to environmental damage and pollution.
Illegal mining has also been linked to criminal activities globally, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. The South African government has launched several measures, including a crackdown on illegal mining and the creation of a formalized artisanal mining sector, to regulate and formalize illegal mining. However, these measures have often been ineffective, and the problem persists.
The deaths of these illegal miners are a heartbreaking tragedy that underscores the need for effective measures to protect those working in illegal mines. The African Mining Vision, a continental framework for resource governance, calls for the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining as a way to ensure decent work environments and safe practices. However, the implementation of this vision requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including governments, mining companies, workers, and communities.
In summary, the death of thirty illegal miners in Welkom highlights the dangers of illegal mining and the need to regulate and formalize the sector to prevent such accidents. The South African government must continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and sustainably, with the welfare of workers and communities at the forefront.
