The government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, focusing on an abandoned mine shaft near Stilfontein in the North West province.
Thousands of ‘zama zama’ miners are reported to be underground as part of Operation Vala Umgodi (Close the Hole), a government initiative targeting illegal mining.
The Situation Underground
Authorities estimate that up to 4,000 miners may be underground, though the exact number remains unclear. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone of the South African Police Service stated that a volunteer who entered the shaft observed many miners in weakened conditions due to a lack of food and water. Unsafe conditions have made it difficult to confirm the actual figure.
Five miners emerged earlier this week, showing signs of severe malnutrition. One body has also been retrieved. The miners, primarily from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Mozambique, are believed to have spent months underground extracting remaining gold deposits.
Government’s Approach
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni outlined the government’s firm stance, saying:
“We will not send help to criminals. We are not sending help. We will smoke them out. They are not to be helped but persecuted.”
The operation has included sealing mine entrances to cut off food supplies. This strategy has led to over 1,000 arrests since the operation began. However, the government’s approach has faced criticism from human rights advocates. Mining analyst David Van Wyk of the Bench-Marks Foundation said:
“People have a right to a fair trial, and you can’t say they are criminal without a fair trial. The right to life is sacrosanct, regardless of who you are.”
The Human Toll
Miners emerging from the shaft have described severe malnutrition and dire conditions. Letters carried to the surface by volunteers suggest many trapped underground lack the strength to come out.
Outside the mine, family members have gathered, calling for the safe return of their loved ones. Local protesters have displayed placards reading, “Free our Brothers,” while some community members have prepared food for those emerging from the mine.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
The Stilfontein crackdown highlights persistent challenges in regulating South Africa’s gold industry. Abandoned mines, such as the one in Stilfontein, often become hubs for unregulated extraction, and the gold produced can enter supply chains informally. This raises significant ethical concerns for jewellers committed to responsible sourcing.
The high price of gold continues to drive demand, incentivising such dangerous and illegal mining activities. For the jewellery industry, this case underscores the importance of robust due diligence processes to ensure ethical sourcing and compliance with responsible mining practices.
Looking Ahead
Operation Vala Umgodi reflects the South African government’s commitment to addressing illegal mining. However, the operation’s long-term success depends on addressing the socioeconomic factors that drive individuals into these risky and unregulated activities. For jewellers, close collaboration with regulators and support for ethical mining initiatives will be critical to minimising the risks associated with sourcing gold from affected regions.
