As illegal mining flourishes in South Africa, a growing health disaster is unfolding underground and in surrounding communities, threatening lives and overwhelming public health systems. Beyond economic losses and crime, illegal mining in South Africa is fuelling an escalating health catastrophe.
South Africa, a country renowned for its rich mineral resources, holds a significant role in the global mining community. South Africa was for many years one of the biggest gold producers in the world, with the mineral contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
However, in recent years, the blight of illegal mining has emerged a formidable challenge. In the last decade, South Africa has experienced a decline in the resources for gold mining, which led to closure of around 6000 mines and the loss of jobs for miners across the country. This created the ongoing illegal mining battle South Africa faces today, a battle which has significantly impacted the South African economic and social climate.
Illegal mining, colloquially referred to as the “zama-zama” trade, has become one of the major hurdles South Africa has had to contend with in recent years. The trade has become so aggressive that it has expanded into other criminal activities, including rape, robbery, and murder, leaving the country both baffled and perplexed, with no clear solution in sight. While its economic ramifications—such as the staggering R60 billion loss to the economy in 2024 alone—have been widely reported, the profound public health crisis it engenders remains less illuminated.
This article delves into the multifaceted health impacts of illegal mining in South Africa, intertwining recent developments and expert insights to underscore the urgency of addressing this burgeoning crisis.
As the country grapples with the growing zama-zama crisis, recent incidents have further exposed severe health risks faced by these miners, their families, and surrounding communities.
The toxic dust, exposure to hazardous chemicals, respiratory diseases, and the mental toll of working in such perilous conditions have created a silent but escalating public health emergency. The perilous conditions inherent in illegal mining operations expose miners and surrounding communities to a spectrum of health risks.
Miners operating in unregulated environments are frequently exposed to silica dust, a by-product of gold extraction. Inhalation of this fine particulate matter can lead to silicosis, a debilitating lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
Moreover, the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide in gold processing poses severe neurological and systemic health risks. These substances not only endanger miners but also contaminate local water sources, affecting entire communities.
The absence of safety protocols in illegal mining sites results in frequent accidents, including tunnel collapses and equipment-related injuries. The recent tragedy at the abandoned mine in Stilfontein, where at least 78 illegal miners lost their lives, underscores the fatal consequences of such unregulated activities.
Structural instability is a deadly reality for many of the miners. Unlike regulated mines, which undergo safety inspections, abandoned shafts are prone to collapse, burying miners alive. South Africa has seen an increase in such incidents, with dozens of miners killed each year due to shaft failures or cave-ins. Without emergency response systems in place, injured zama-zamas are often left untreated, leading to infections and amputations that could have been prevented in a formal medical setting.
Beyond physical ailments, the psychological toll on illegal miners is profound. The nature of the work—constant fear of death, violence from rival gangs or law enforcement, and prolonged underground confinement—leads to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many zama-zamas spend weeks or even months underground, disconnected from their families, living in inhumane conditions. The psychological burden of this existence is often underestimated, yet it fuels substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicidal tendencies among those trapped in this cycle of exploitation.
The 2024 article “The Occupational Syndemics of Miners in South Africa” published in Discover Social Science and Health highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by miners in the region.
The study emphasizes that the demanding work environment, coupled with social and economic pressures, contributes to a high prevalence of mental health disorders among miners. These findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive mental health support and interventions within the mining industry to address this pressing issue.
The repercussions of illegal mining extend beyond the miners, permeating the health fabric of entire communities. Communities residing near mine dumps are exposed to dust laden with heavy metals and other toxins.
Research indicates a higher prevalence of respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, among individuals living in proximity to these sites. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing increased rates of asthma symptoms and other respiratory issues in these demographics.
The infiltration of hazardous chemicals used in illegal mining into local waterways poses significant health risks, including gastrointestinal diseases and long-term organ damage. Communities relying on these water sources for drinking, cooking, and irrigation are at heightened risk of exposure to these contaminants. Compounding these challenges is South Africa’s escalating water crisis, marked by deteriorating water quality and failing infrastructure.
The 2023 Blue Drop Report by the Department of Water and Sanitation revealed that 46% of water supply systems pose acute health risks due to contamination, and over two-thirds of wastewater treatment works are nearing collapse.
This situation is further aggravated by the infiltration of hazardous chemicals into water sources, often a consequence of illegal mining activities that release toxic substances into the environment. Communities relying on these compromised water sources face increased health risks, including waterborne diseases, which intensify the burden on the public health system. Addressing the intertwined issues of water management and environmental contamination is crucial to alleviate the strain on healthcare services and safeguard community well-being.
The transient nature of illegal mining communities, often comprising individuals from various regions and countries, facilitates the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Limited access to healthcare services and poor living conditions exacerbate this public health challenge.
In a country with a public health system already under strain, with inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited resources, the situation is further exacerbated by the rise of these illegal mining activities. These unregulated operations not only endanger miners but also introduce unique health crises that overwhelm an already fragile healthcare system.
The incidents encountered by the illegal miners place additional pressure on public hospitals and clinics, diverting attention from other pressing health concerns and highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both public health deficiencies and the challenges posed by illegal mining
It is apposite to mention that in response to the escalating crisis, the South African government has initiated measures aimed at curbing illegal mining activities. Operation “Vala Umgodi”, loosely translated to “close the hole”, for instance, targets illegal mining hotspots across multiple provinces. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as evidenced by the tragic events at the Stilfontein mine, where miners endured months underground with dwindling supplies, leading to starvation and disease.
Furthermore, the involvement of minors in illegal mining has raised significant concerns. Recently, 27 undocumented teenage boys from Mozambique were repatriated by the North West Department of Social Development after being found in abandoned mines in the Stilfontein region, highlighting the exploitation and endangerment of vulnerable populations.
Addressing the public health crisis caused by illegal mining requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach by government authorities and security clusters. Strengthening law enforcement and regulatory frameworks is essential, with enhanced surveillance and enforcement mechanisms playing a key role in dismantling illegal mining operations. The recent arrests and resurgence of illegal miners in various parts of the country paint a stark picture of the need for effective strategies to combat illegal mining.
Confronting the root causes of the problem is essential to addressing the looming health crisis. One key solution is the creation of opportunities within mining communities. There is a need for stricter regulations on how corporations undertake the closure of mines, coupled with severe sanctions for non-compliance. Such measures would not only ensure the safety and security of the miners but also safeguard the well-being of surrounding communities.
In an effort to crack down on illegal mining, strategies that will confront the root causes of the problem need to be put in place. The creation of opportunities in mining communities is imperative. This could involve the regulation of small-scale mining and rehabilitation of the abandoned mines.
There needs to be a robust engagement with local communities on meaningful dialogue and providing alternative economic opportunities which can help reduce the appeal of illegal mining. By investing in education and skills development programs, individuals can be empowered with safer, more sustainable livelihood options, steering them away from hazardous activities.
Equally important is improving access to healthcare services for communities affected by illegal mining. Implementing environmental remediation projects can help mitigate health risks, while regular health screenings, along with the provision of clean water and proper sanitation facilities, are critical to ensuring long-term well-being.
Illegal mining in South Africa is not merely an economic or legal issue; it is a profound public health crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention. The recent tragedies and ongoing health challenges underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and multifaceted impacts of illegal mining.
By prioritizing the health and well-being of its citizens, South Africa can begin to heal the deep scars inflicted by this pervasive issue. And collective continental action, spearheaded by nations such as Ghana and South Africa, who rely heavily on mining for national growth, is also crucial.
BYLINE:
Nthabiseng Ramanaledi is a South African Corporate Attorney and Managing Director of RamanalediLaw Inc. located in Pretoria. She specialises in Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Pensions, and Labour Law. She can be reached via [email protected]
