Question NW1355 to the Minister of Mineral Resources
17 August 2018 - NW1355
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Whether there are any (a) environmental and (b) human risks involved when explosives are being used for illegal mining next to the FNB Stadium; if so, (i) what are the risks and (ii) what is his department doing to address the risks?
Reply:
(a) No.
(b) There are significant human risks.
(i) There are significant human risks are that the illegal miners can get injured or killed from the blast, inhale noxious gases from the explosion which can lead to death; can cause underground fires. Some of the stolen explosives are sometimes also used in blasting Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
(ii) The Department is working together with the all law agencies including the Hawks to arrest and recommend for prosecutions of illegal miners and the syndicate leaders. There is also Gauteng Illegal Mining Stakeholder Forum which consists of SAPS, Crime Intelligence, State Security agency; Mining Companies; Organised Labour. The Mine Health and Safety Council is developing a new standard for sealing of shafts that will minimise the risk of being re-opened by illegal miners and less susceptible to environmental factors.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr SG Mantashe, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2018