It's A 'war On Sa Economy' - Mantashe Responds To Stilfontein Rescue Backlash

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has reiterated the governments commitment to combating illegal mining, describing it as a crime against the economy.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Stilfontein mine in the North West on Tuesday, Mantashe emphasised the criminal nature of illegal mining and its estimated R60 billion annual loss to the economy through illicit trade in precious metals.

He and Police Minister Senzo Mkhize were part of a delegation overseeing rescue operations at Shaft 11 of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, near the former mining town of Stilfontein.

Efforts have included retrieving at least 35 illegal miners, nine of whom were found deceased. Of those rescued, 21 were South Africans.

Mantashe reaffirmed that the fight against illegal mining must be intensified, stressing its detrimental economic impact and criminality.