Roodepoort community urges government to formalise artisanal mining

Roodepoort community urges government to formalise artisanal mining! The Jerusalem informal settlement in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, is calling on the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to accelerate plans to formalise artisanal mining.

Residents believe that legalising and regulating the practice would create jobs, attract investment, and reduce the dangers associated with illegal mining activities.

Despite repeated calls for intervention, community members say their concerns have been ignored, leaving them worried that illegal mining will continue to flourish without proper oversight.

Rising Pressure for Government Action

The Roodepoort community joins a growing number of voices urging the government to create a safe and transparent framework for artisanal and small-scale mining.

If properly regulated, the sector could provide economic relief to many unemployed South Africans while ensuring safer mining practices.

However, so far, their demands have not been met, leading to frustration and uncertainty.

Concerns Over Illegal Mining

The community’s renewed calls come amid a recent operation to rescue two illegal miners trapped underground at an abandoned gold mine in the area.

The incident highlighted the dangers of unregulated mining, where miners—often known as zama zamas—risk their lives daily.

Community leader Zibuse Memela expressed concern over rampant unemployment in the area, which drives people to dangerous, unregulated mining operations.

“Unemployment here is very difficult because many South Africans are not working,” Memela said.

He pointed out that while many illegal miners come from outside South Africa, there are also locals struggling to find work, leading to increased desperation.

“These people who enter these holes are from outside of South Africa, but even South Africans have a problem because left and right, they are not working.”

Memela stressed that the situation could improve if the government introduced projects aimed at developing the area and providing legal mining opportunities.

“It becomes better when the government is coming with some projects to develop the area.”

The Risks of an Unregulated Sector

Without formal oversight, artisanal mining remains a dangerous and highly controversial sector in South Africa.

Key Issues with Illegal Mining:

• Safety Hazards – Many zama zamas operate in abandoned or unsafe mines, putting their lives at risk.
• Crime and Violence – Illegal mining activities are often linked to gang-related violence, corruption, and exploitation.
• Environmental Damage – Unregulated mining harms local ecosystems, contaminates water sources, and depletes resources.
• Economic Losses – The government loses billions in potential revenue due to illegal mining activities.

Potential Benefits of Formalisation:

• Job Creation – A legal framework would allow locals to mine safely while earning a livelihood.
• Investment in Infrastructure – The sector could attract funding for mining technology, safety measures, and training programs.
• Safer Working Conditions – Formal mines would be regulated, ensuring better safety standards for miners.
• Reduced Crime – Legal operations would help curb violence and exploitation associated with illegal mining syndicates.

What Happens Next?

Despite repeated appeals, the government has yet to announce a clear plan for formalising artisanal mining.

As pressure mounts, communities like Jerusalem in Roodepoort hope that policy changes will be made to address unemployment and safety concerns.

Until then, illegal mining will likely continue, placing more lives at risk and fueling economic instability in already vulnerable communities.

For now, residents and community leaders await a response from the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, hoping that their voices will finally be heard.

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