14th ASSAf Presidential Roundtable Discussion - The Underground Crisis: Governance Failures Fuel South Africa’s Illegal Mining Epidemic

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

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Abstract (English) : South Africa possesses vast mineral wealth, yet a dangerous parallel economy of illegal mining has become entrenched. Thousands of ‘zama zamas’ (those who try their luck) operate in abandoned and active mines, presenting a crisis that extends beyond law enforcement into systemic governance failure. This Presidential Roundtable, hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) on 14 April, aimed to diagnose why illegal mining persists and to identify structural reforms. Expert panellists argued that the regulatory system is designed for large-scale mining, with no viable entry point for artisanal participation. Mining employment has fallen from 2 million to 500,000 in three decades, leaving capable people excluded and reorganising underground. A critical distinction was drawn between survivalist miners (who face insurmountable formalisation barriers) and organised criminal syndicates (involved in human trafficking and forced labour). Government interventions remain contradictory: supporting artisanal mining while indiscriminately clamping down through operations such as Vala Umgodi. Historical policy failure was noted – a small-scale mining strategy from the 1990s was never properly implemented, and by 2025 illegal mining had become the second biggest challenge for junior miners, surpassing access to finance. Panellists recommended simplified staged licensing, clear differentiation between survivalist and criminal actors, rehabilitation of abandoned mines, linking formalisation to viable livelihoods, regional cross-border coordination (MIASA, Africa Mining Vision), skills training without formal prerequisites, and education campaigns for policymakers and media. Punitive enforcement alone is insufficient. Fundamental structural reform, including proper mine closure, accessible licensing, and dismantling criminal networks, is required. Without it, the underground crisis will deepen. About the ASSAf Presidential Roundtables (PRT) on Science, Scholarship and Society The ASSAf Presidential Roundtables (PRT) on Science, Scholarship and Society are evidence-based dialogues that bring together high-level experts and stakeholders to address critical issues affecting society at large and are of interest to a broad audience. The roundtables are hosted bi-annually by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and are moderated by the President of the Academy.

Description : MP4 Video, Size: 741 MB; Duration: 2:00:38

Contributor ORCIDs : Majozi, Thokozani