Some residents of Ga-Maroga village in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo are calling on the government to issue them with permits for small-scale mining. They say they engage in illegal chrome mining due to joblessness.
They were reacting to the arrest of two alleged chrome mining kingpins.
Police say they have discovered illegal chrome worth about R20 million at the property of the accused Mitchell brothers, Gary and Justin in Steelpoort.
Maroga SMME forum spokesperson Daniel Mabilane says, Ah, its tough. This area was flourishing. Those who are not working are now stuck. They were working they were mining even though it was illegal. The reason why they were doing that is because they didnt have other means. They were mining, they were making money, and the economy was down. Shops are closed now, people are now stealing. We just want licences even if they are just permits. We know people die when they mine illegally but if we get permits then we will be regulated, the government will assist and will help us to run those processes and run those mines in terms of safety and everything.
Alleged illegal mining kingpins get bail in Limpopo
