Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has welcomed the strides made to halt illegal mining in Limpopo.
Members of the Department of Mineral Resources’ compliance unit and law enforcement agencies raided illegal mining sites last week.
The Department of Mineral Resources, in partnership with the South African Police Service, issued an order to cease illegal chrome mining operations on the R37 between Polokwane and Burgersfort, Limpopo.
The operations were taking place at Winterveldt 417 SK, Jaglust 418 SK and Zeekoegat 421 SK farms.
“Criminal cases will be opened against those found to be operating illegally. Law enforcement agencies will further investigate those cases with the aim of bringing to book the perpetrators,” the Department of Mineral Resources said.
The perpetrators were operating without mining permits.
Illegal mining is prohibited in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the National Environmental Management Act. – SAnews.gov.za
