Ministers brief Parliament on illegal mining in Stilfontein and ownerless mine

Police say they've already spent over R30 million in the Stilfontein operation. That's according to North West police commissioner, Patrick Asaneng. He briefed a joint sitting of Parliament's portfolio committees of police and minerals and Petroleum resources on illegal mining earlier. Since August 2024, more than 1,500 illegal miners surfaced from the abandoned shafts in Stilfontein and over ninety bodies were also retrieved. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe estimates that this criminal activity, cost the South African economy R60 billion in 2024. Phemelo speaks to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule.