Parliament, Tuesday, 24 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has welcomed the comprehensive presentation from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on Tuesday morning, which provided strategic feedback on the implementation of recommendations of the 6th Parliament relating to illegal mining, recent incidents across affected provinces and coordinated interventions undertaken to mitigate the threat.
The committee noted that illegal mining remains a nationally coordinated organised crime activity requiring a sustained, intelligence-driven and multi-agency response. The committee Chairperson, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, said the presentation demonstrated strengthened cooperation among law enforcement and security agencies. “The committee welcomes the improved coordination and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining syndicates. This is organised crime that undermines the economy, threatens community safety and deprives the state of critical revenue,” he said.
The committee welcomed progress on amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, the Precious Metals Act and the Diamonds Act through the General Laws Amendment Bill (GLAB). The purpose is to close legislative gaps to ensure effective prosecution and deterrence. It further noted training workshops that are underway with traditional leaders in Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga to enhance awareness of relevant legislation and improve collaboration at community level.
Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the arrest of 84 illegal mining kingpins profiled through a multidisciplinary five-pillar operational approach led by Crime Intelligence. Mr Mahlaule said the integrated model strengthens the state’s capacity to disrupt criminal networks and restore stability in affected communities.
The committee noted support for legitimate small-scale and artisanal mining from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, whereby 20 small-scale mining projects were supported with R67.5 million through a dedicated funding programme. Mr Mahlaule emphasised that combating illegal mining must go hand in hand with enabling lawful participation in the sector.
He said: “We must ensure that while we clamp down on criminal syndicates, we also create sustainable pathways for legitimate small-scale and artisanal miners. Formalisation and support are critical to long-term stability in the sector.”
The committee will meet again to receive a comprehensive presentation on illegal mining trends, the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) fund, and the demobilisation of Operation Vala Umgodi. It reaffirmed its commitment to robust oversight and to supporting coordinated interventions that safeguard South Africa’s mineral resources while promoting inclusive and sustainable sector development.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES, MR MIKATEKO MAHLAULE
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Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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