Mining Equipment worth R60-million seized at illegal coal mine

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Mining equipment worth R60 million rand have been seized on Tuesday at an illegal coal mine in Caroline, Mpumalanga. 

This comes after police illicit mining task team were deployed to prevent and combat illegal mining activities in hotspots across the country.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks are among those seized during an intelligence driven take down operation. 

Brig Mathe stated that R12 million worth of coal that was found to be mined illegally was also seized.

“The task team pounced on the illegal mine and also arrested a 53-year-old mine manager who could not produce a mining permit. 

“Through collaboration with the relevant authorities, it was found that the mine was not licensed and is operating illegally. 

“In the past twelve months, 748 coal yards across the country were visited to ensure compliance. A total of 63 unregulated coal yards were shut down because they were not authorised by law to operate by the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). 

“Through high density operations, 335 illegal miners have been arrested at various hotspots across the country since May 8, 2023,” Brig Mathe said.

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The Acting National of the SAPS, lieutenant general Tebello Mosikili said the illicit mining task team continues to register commendable progress. 

“Since the establishment of the Natjoints energy safety and security priority committee, we have intensified efforts to prevent and combat incidents of illegal mining activities, we are also working closely with all stakeholders to close and rehabilitate abandoned mine shafts to put a stop to these illegal mining activities”, said Lt Gen Mosikili. 

A manhunt for the owner of the mine is currently underway.