Illegal gold mining, which has burgeoned beneath the surface of South Africa’s once-thriving sector, has become the battleground for desperate miners, violent gangs, and government efforts to reclaim control. A recent expose by the BBC features Ndumiso, a 52-year-old illegal miner, who speaks candidly about his life among the so-called 'zama zamas'—illegal miners who dig for gold in abandoned sites. After being laid off from a large mining company, Ndumiso joined this underground world, operating out of Stilfontein, where he emerges approximately every three months to sell gold on the black market. He admits, "The underground life is ruthless. Many do not come out alive."
South Africa once led global gold production, but policies and aging infrastructure have led to the closure of many legal mines, leaving up to 6,000 abandoned shafts ripe for exploitation. The price of gold has reached record highs this year, fuelling conflict between gangs vying for territorial control. Mónica Mark reports for the Financial Times, emphasizing the serious federal frustrations as the country’s economy remains battered, with around 33% unemployment.
An anonymous security consultant argues, "The underground war for the future of the mining industry is only going to worsen before it gets anybetter," hinting at the deep-rooted challenges faced by the state. Efforts to stop illegal mining have seen the South African government launching Operation Vala Umgodi, or 'Shut the Pits,' aimed at dismantling this lucrative black market, which reportedly siphons off $1 billion from the local economy each year. Recently, police began their operation by surrounding Buffelsfontein, restricting access to food and water, and compelling 'zama zamas' to surrender.
Reports indicate more than 850 illegal miners emerged from Buffelsfontein, but the arrests quickly followed, reflecting the grim realities faced by those trapped underground. The police’s severe tactics have incited backlash from both human rights groups and local communities. Critics have raised concerns about xenophobia, linking many zama zamas to surrounding nations like Lesotho and Mozambique, and calling for emergency supply deliveries to aid those still entrapped.
Alongside the socio-economic conditions, one illegal miner working before the closure revealed, "The workshops have run out of stock. Some bosses depend on donated food to survive down there." The living conditions appear bleak, and gang leaders remain heavily armed with AK47s, complicifying any rescue efforts.
Experts argue the crisis cuts deep, linking back to the organized crime networks benefitting from the chaos. David Van Wyk, of Bench Marks Foundation, remarked, "What is happening in Stilfontein is fighting the foot soldiers of organized crime. What needs to happen is trace the money.” This reflects the widespread corruption and linkage between authorities and illegal operations, undermining law enforcement efforts.
Despite the relentless challenges faced by the legal mining sector, the historical significance of mining to South Africa continues. Once known for producing 79% of the world's gold as of 1970, South Africa has seen its production plummet by 83%, leading to increased gold production across various African nations, as highlighted by recent data. Ghana, for example, now leads the continent, drawing much of the investment and attention away from South Africa’s declining sector.
Looking forward, the future of South African gold mining hangs perilously—both for those trapped underground and for the wider economy. Until systematic issues are resolved, and the societal conditions affecting the gold mining crisis are addressed, those entwined within its shadow may continue to risk life and limb for the fleeting fortunes of gold. The complexity and violence of this underground economy challenge not only security but the very fabric of local communities as they balance survival against rights and dignity.
