Unearthing a crisis: South Africa’s battle against illegal mining
Illegal mining in South Africa presents significant economic, social, and security challenges. It’s complex history, violence and crime it fosters, the implications of the recent military intervention, and insights from Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia documentary, all highlight the depth and interconnected nature of this crisis.
Artisanal and small-scale mining in South Africa, recognised post-1994, was initially seen as a potential avenue for socio-economic development and empowerment for historically disadvantaged individuals.
This optimistic view, however, has been overshadowed by the emergence of a widespread illegal mining industry – or as we know them, ’zama-zama’s’. The economic impact of this illegal industry is staggering. Operating mines face losses of up to 7 billion rand annually, directly affecting South Africa’s economy.
Beyond the direct losses, the illegal mining activities, especially in gold, siphon off an estimated value of over R14 billion annually from the legal market. This massive economic leakage not only undermines the legal mining sector but also deprives the South African economy of crucial revenue streams, impacting exports, taxes, and royalties.
The shift from a potentially beneficial industry to a source of economic drain can be attributed to several factors, including legislative gaps and socio-economic challenges. The lack of a supportive regulatory framework for artisanal miners has inadvertently led to the growth of an illegal and unregulated sector. This sector, while initially driven by the need for livelihood, has evolved into a sophisticated network that operates with a level of organisation and reach that poses a serious challenge to legal operations and national governance.
The ties that bind: A surge in crime and illegal mining
The surge in illegal mining has led to an alarming increase in violence and criminal activities, particularly in mineral-rich areas such as the Witwatersrand Basin. The term ‘zama zamas’ has become synonymous with illegal miners, many of whom are involved in violent confrontations with security forces and law enforcement agencies.
These miners, often equipped with heavy weaponry, engage in activities that go beyond mere illegal mining. They are involved in turf wars, armed assaults, and other forms of organised crime, contributing significantly to the deterioration of law and order in mining areas.
The impact of these activities extends beyond the immediate areas of operation. Mining communities are experiencing increased social unrest, with a rise in prostitution, substance abuse, and general lawlessness. These issues are symptomatic of the broader socio-economic challenges faced by these communities, where illegal mining often presents itself as one of the few available means of livelihood. The cycle of violence and criminality thus not only affects the mining sector but also erodes the social fabric of these communities, making the problem of illegal mining not just an economic issue but also a significant social concern.
Deploying the military – a panacea, not a cure
In an attempt to address the growing crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised a significant military intervention under “Operation Prosper” just over a week ago. The deployment of 3 300 army personnel, involving an expenditure of around R492 million, represents a serious commitment by the government to tackle the issue head-on.
However, the effectiveness of this intervention in addressing the complex root causes of illegal mining remains uncertain. While the presence of the military might provide temporary relief in terms of security and may deter some illegal mining activities, it is not a sustainable solution to the underlying socio-economic drivers such as unemployment, poverty, and the lack of legal alternatives for small-scale mining.
The decision to deploy the military also raises questions about the potential for human rights abuses and the impact on the communities involved. Past experiences in other contexts have shown that military interventions in complex socio-economic issues can have unintended consequences, including exacerbating tensions and leading to confrontations between the military and local communities.
Therefore, while the military deployment is a clear indication of the seriousness with which the government is treating the issue, it also highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond security measures to address the socio-economic factors contributing to the rise of illegal mining.
Private sector efforts to curb illegal mining
In the face of these challenges, mining companies such as Sibanye-Stillwater have implemented a range of security and community engagement measures to combat illegal mining activities. Their approach includes advanced security measures like biometric access control systems, aerial surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicles, and comprehensive screening procedures to prevent unauthorized access to mining areas.
These measures have resulted in numerous arrests of illegal miners and disciplinary actions against employees found aiding such activities. The company also recognises the broader social impact of illegal mining, including community coercion and environmental degradation, and has implemented community development programmes aimed at providing alternative livelihoods.
Community collaborations
In addition to security measures, mining companies are focusing on collaborations with local communities and authorities. These collaborations aim to address the root causes of illegal mining by providing education, job opportunities, and alternative income sources. This holistic approach is essential to reduce the attractiveness of illegal mining as a means of survival.
By investing in community development and working closely with local authorities, mining companies can help build more resilient communities that are less susceptible to the lure of illegal mining. These initiatives, while contributing to the security of mining operations, also have the potential to create a more stable and prosperous environment for the communities surrounding these operations.
Legislative and policy initiatives
Addressing the legislative and policy gap is a critical component of the solution to the illegal mining crisis. Recent efforts to formalise and support artisanal mining through new policies are steps in the right direction. These initiatives aim to provide a legal framework that supports artisanal miners, ensuring their operations are economically beneficial while adhering to safety and environmental standards. However, the implementation of these policies has been slow, and there has been criticism over their lack of consideration for public input and practical enforcement measures.
Looking at the global context, there are examples of countries where artisanal mining has been successfully managed and integrated into the formal economy. Nations like Ghana and Colombia have developed policies that provide legal avenues and support for artisanal miners, balancing economic development with environmental and social responsibilities. South Africa can draw valuable lessons from these examples to develop a more effective and holistic approach to managing its artisanal mining sector.
Insights from Al Jazeera’s ‘The Gold Mafia’
Al Jazeera’s seminal on illegal mining has revealed the depth and complexity of the illegal mining network, highlighting its far-reaching implications. The investigation has shown that illegal mining is not just a local issue but part of a broader network of corruption and criminality involving high-ranking officials in South Africa and Zimbabwe, to include major banks such as ABSA, Standard Bank and Sasfin, all of which were implicated in the laundering and transfer of money from the illicit gold trade.
This interconnectedness underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the criminal elements and the systemic issues that facilitate this illegal trade. In South Africa as of yet, no arrests of any major players implicated in the documentary have been made.
Moving forward
The solution to the crisis of illegal mining in South Africa lies in addressing its root causes. This includes creating economic opportunities, improving governance, and ensuring that the wealth generated from the country’s mineral resources is equitably distributed. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving government, the mining industry, communities, and international partners is essential to develop sustainable solutions that address both the immediate challenges and the underlying causes of illegal mining.