Parliament, Tuesday, 11 August 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the 14 illegal miners who lost their lives in an incident linked to illegal mining in Nkaneng, North West. He also wished those who sustained injuries a speedy and full recovery.
Mr Mahlaule said the incident was a painful reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining and underscored the urgent need for continued and strengthened efforts to combat the scourge.
He warned that illegal mining poses serious risks that extend beyond the individuals directly involved in such activities. “Illegal mining does not only place the lives and safety of those involved at risk. It can have devastating consequences for surrounding communities and poses a serious threat to public infrastructure. Unregulated and unsafe mining activities can undermine the structural integrity of land and infrastructure, damage essential services and expose communities to unnecessary danger,” said Mr Mahlaule.
Furthermore, Mr Mahlaule said efforts to address illegal mining must be accompanied by measures that promote lawful economic opportunities for legal small-scale and artisanal miners, while ensuring that mining activities are conducted in accordance with applicable health, safety and environmental requirements.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to exercising its oversight responsibilities over the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and relevant entities to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to strengthen mine safety, combat illegal mining, and protect communities and public infrastructure.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES, MR MIKATEKO MAHLAULE.
For media enquiries or interview requests with the Chairperson, please contact the Committee’s Media Officer:
Justice Molafo
Mobile: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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