Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “zama zama” activity in South Africa, has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the mining industry today. Followed by unregulated operations, safety risks, and environmental damage, illegal mining undermines legal operations and threatens the sustainability of the entire sector. In response, South African mining companies are taking strategic, legal, and community-based actions to combat the growing threat.

Understanding the Impact of Illegal Mining

Illegal mining in South Africa is more than just a criminal activity—it’s a socio-economic symptom of deeper structural issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Thousands of people, often migrants or unemployed locals, enter abandoned or active mines in search of gold, coal, and other minerals. These operations frequently result in:

• Environmental degradation
• Loss of state revenue and company profits
• Violent turf wars and criminal syndicates
• Severe safety risks for illegal miners and surrounding communities

The South African Minerals Council estimates that illegal mining costs the economy billions annually, making it a priority issue for government and industry stakeholders.

How Mining Companies Are Responding to illegal mining

1. Strengthening On-Site Security

Mining companies are investing in advanced surveillance systems, perimeter fencing, and armed response teams to monitor and secure their operations. Technologies like drone surveillance, motion sensors, and AI-based monitoring are increasingly being deployed to detect illegal activities in real-time.

2. Sealing Abandoned Shafts

Many illegal miners access old, disused mine shafts that were not properly closed. Companies, in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), are identifying and rehabilitating or sealing these entrances to reduce entry points and prevent further access.

3. Collaborating with Law Enforcement

A collaborative approach between mining companies, private security firms, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is being used to crack down on illegal mining syndicates, an example can be seen in Rustenburg with its chrome mines. Task forces and joint operations have been established to raid illegal mining hotspots, seize stolen equipment, and dismantle illegal processing facilities.

4. Community Engagement and Up-liftment

Recognising the socio-economic drivers behind illegal mining, some companies are engaging in community development efforts. These include:

• Skills training and job creation programs
• Support for small-scale, legal mining cooperatives
• Social investment in education, housing, and infrastructure

By improving livelihoods, companies aim to reduce the economic appeal of illegal mining for surrounding communities.

5. Lobbying for Policy Reform

Mining companies are also pushing for stronger regulatory frameworks. This includes stricter penalties for offenders, clearer procedures for artisanal mining permits, and coordinated national strategies to address the root causes of the problem.

Challenges That Remain with illegal mining

Despite growing efforts, significant challenges remain. Illegal mining is often backed by organised crime, making it difficult to root out without broader criminal justice reforms. Corruption, inadequate enforcement, and lack of coordination between stakeholders can also weaken intervention efforts.

Conclusion

South African mining companies are increasingly realising that addressing illegal mining requires more than force, it requires a multi-dimensional strategy that combines security, community up-liftment, legal reform, and innovation. As they adapt to these realities, there is cautious optimism that the sector can reclaim lost ground and create a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable mining future.