Question NW606 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
24 March 2023 - NW606
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1)Whether, with reference to illegal sand mining that is allegedly taking place in the Paterson area, located in the Sundays River Valley Municipality in the Eastern Cape (details furnished), and noting that while the specified matter has reportedly been raised in municipal meetings before, no action has been taken, he has been informed of the alleged illegal sand mining; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what steps does his department intend to take to ensure that the specified matter is properly investigated and the perpetrators are brought to book; (3) what steps does his department intend to take to (a) rehabilitate the land that has been impacted by the alleged illegal sand mining and (b) prevent such activities from taking place in the future?
Reply:
1. The Department is aware of illegal mining in Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape and has brought this matter to the law enforcement agencies as this is a criminal activity.
2. Refer to (1) above.
3. (a) The Department continues to seal off open shafts and rehabilitate the disused and derelict mines within the available budget. (b) The law enforcement agencies will ensure that perpetrators of illegal mining are brought to justice.