In South Africa, police forces recently undertook a significant operation to remove illegal miners from an abandoned mine shaft in Orkney, successfully forcing 540 individuals to resurface. This operation highlighted ongoing issues with illegal mining, commonly referred to as “zama zama” mining, a practice where individuals engage in unauthorized mining activities. The urgency of the police operation was underscored by the extreme measures taken to block supply deliveries of food and water to the miners in an effort to encourage them to leave. As a result of these tactics, individuals began to experience starvation and dehydration, prompting many to emerge from the depths of the mine.
The crisis at the Orkney site began to unfold over the weekend as reports indicated that some miners began to reappear, but there were still hundreds, if not a thousand, believed to be trapped within the mine shaft. The police’s approach has been described as a bid to restore public order and to enforce laws governing mining practices. On Sunday, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, the National Police Commissioner, publicly urged ground forces to remain steadfast in their responsibilities, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining law and order in the area. This statement indicated the police’s determination to combat illegal mining and address the substantial challenges it poses to safety and legal compliance.
As the operation progressed, authorities reported a continual increase in the number of miners emerging from the mine. Initially, 225 individuals were reported to have resurfaced, followed by an additional 340 individuals who surfaced on Sunday and were subsequently placed under arrest. This spike in arrests is emblematic of a larger trend, as the issue of illegal mining is rampant across South Africa, with thousands of illegal miners engaged in these hazardous and unauthorized activities. The continued presence of illegal miners in abandoned sites not only raises safety concerns but also severely impacts local communities and the formal mining industry.
The term “zama zama,” which translates to “those who try their luck” in Zulu, aptly describes the precarious nature of illegal mining in South Africa. The country is rich in mineral resources, attracting many who seek economic opportunity despite the risks involved in such unlawful activities. These miners often operate without the necessary permits and expose themselves to dangerous conditions, including the threat of mine collapses, theft, and violence from rival groups. The police have noted that their efforts to clamp down on this illegal industry have resulted in a significant number of arrests across multiple provinces.
Since December 2023, police operations against illegal mining have led to the apprehension of more than 13,690 suspects across seven provinces. Authorities have continued to take a hardline stance against illegal mining operations, seizing considerable quantities of cash and uncut diamonds in the process. Reports indicate that law enforcement has confiscated roughly R5 million ($283,000) in cash and uncut diamonds valued at R32 million ($1.8 million). These figures highlight not only the scale of illegal mining activities but also the extensive financial implications they have on the economy.
The ongoing and complex challenge of illegal mining in South Africa necessitates a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement. While police interventions, like the recent Orkney operation, aim to dismantle such activities, it is crucial to consider the underlying socio-economic factors that drive individuals to engage in illegal mining. Many “zama zamas” are motivated by the dire economic circumstances that limit opportunities for legitimate livelihoods. Addressing these root causes may require the collaboration of government bodies, local communities, and mining companies to create sustainable job opportunities and regulatory frameworks that can better incorporate the needs of informal miners, ultimately reducing the prevalence of illegal mining in the region.