South Africa is facing growing concerns over illegal chrome mining, as criminal mining operations expand across parts of the country’s mineral-rich provinces.
The problem has become particularly serious in North West province, where illegal miners are digging large open pits in search of chrome. In some communities, homes are now located dangerously close to mining sites, while residents fear that the unstable ground could lead to accidents and further destruction.
The illegal miners, commonly known as “zama zamas”, include unemployed South Africans as well as migrants from countries such as Lesotho and Mozambique. Many enter abandoned or unregulated mining areas looking for valuable minerals, often working in extremely dangerous conditions.
14 miners killed in August collapse
The dangers were highlighted on August 13, when a section of earth collapsed at a disused mine near Nkaneng outside Rustenburg, killing 14 illegal miners. Most of those killed were reportedly undocumented migrants.
The collapse has drawn renewed attention to the human cost of illegal mining, particularly the role of criminal groups that control mining operations while workers receive only a small share of the profits.
Communities suffer the consequences
Residents living near mining areas say illegal operations are damaging farmland, threatening water supplies and creating insecurity.
In Bapong, North West province, large pits have been dug using heavy machinery to reach chrome deposits. Some of the holes have filled with water, creating dangers for children and other residents who have to pass nearby.
The impact is not limited to rural communities. In Johannesburg, illegal mining has damaged roads, electricity infrastructure and buildings. Cracks and sinkholes have appeared in some areas as miners dig underground in search of gold and other minerals.
South Africa’s electricity infrastructure has also been placed at risk. Officials say underground excavation can destabilise the ground around substations, transformers and power lines.
Government steps up action
The South African government has been trying to tackle illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi, a campaign launched to close illegal mining sites and disrupt the criminal networks behind them.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also deployed soldiers to Gauteng in March to support police operations against illegal mining and organised crime.
However, authorities continue to face difficulties because illegal mining can be highly profitable. Criminal networks are able to finance heavy equipment and recruit vulnerable workers to extract valuable minerals.
The continuing spread of illegal chrome mining has therefore become both an economic and security challenge for South Africa, while communities near mining areas remain concerned about their homes, environment and personal safety.
