Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe defended the government's rescue efforts of illegal miners trapped in a shaft in Stilfontein, North West. He emphasized that illegal mining is a criminal activity that costs the country an estimated R60 billion annually through illicit precious metal trade. Mantashe stated that the government-funded operation, costing R12 million, is expected to continue for 10 to 16 days.
The minister emphasised that illegal mining is a criminal activity, labelling it 'a war on the economy'.Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has defended the government’s response to rescuing illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West.
He emphasised that illegal mining is a criminal activity and falls under police jurisdiction, making the mine a crime scene. “That’s my side of the work so I don’t need to be pushed to do that. I do that as a matter of cause,” Mantashe said.The minister described illegal mining as a criminal activity undermining South Africa’s economy, claiming it cost the country an estimated R60 billion in 2024 through illicit precious metal trade.“That R60 billion is not value to the economy. It’s a leakage. It’s a war on the economy.”“These foot soldiers are taking the gold to somebody,” the minister told journalists.
Mine Safety Rescue Services CEO, Mannas Fourie, shared updates on the rescue efforts, which involve a mobile rescue winder lowering a cage into the shaft to extract workers.
ILLEGAL MINING SOUTH AFRICA GOVERNMENT RESCUE OPERATION CRIME
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