The South African Minister for Mineral Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu, has announced a clamp down on illegal miners in South Africa. Preventative steps such as effective shaft sealing or ways to permanently close old mine works have been outlined.

This follows on from last week’s news that dozens of illegal miners became trapped in an old shaft in South Africa, all of whom were arrested immediately after rescue.

South Africa has a host of issues surrounding mining but as illegal miners don’t pay tax or vote in cohesive blocks, dealing with them is possibly an easier task for the ANC than other problems they face.

Shabangu particularly called for efforts to be targeted on the East and West Rand. Reports also suggest that the courts and police are taking tougher measures on those charged with illegal mining.