mining activity that is undertaken without state permission
EWN 9h
92 arrested, explosives and firearms seized in Krugersdorp illegal mining raid: The operation comes as law enforcement efforts intensify to address illegal ...
ewn.co.za/2026/10/19/92-arrested-explosives-and-firearms-seized-in-krugersdorp-illegal-mining-raid
Inside MySol’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a mining magnate: Solomon Madibela talks about overcoming hardship, industry scrutiny and building an ...
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-10-16-inside-mysols-rise-from-humble-beginnings-to-becoming-a-mining-magnate/
Criminal networks threaten the Amazon. Indigenous leaders want the UN to act
apnews.com/article/amazon-united-nations-organized-crime-vienna-indigenous-b7c3967fe7cc3cf2e92e5c5b76721850
Government, security officials aiding illegal mining – Taraba governor: Governor Kefas made the allegation on Saturday at a meeting with artisanal and ...
premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914369-government-security-officials-aiding-illegal-mining-taraba-governor.html
EWN Oct 06
Motshekga: Poor state of SANDF vehicles impacting Operation Prosper: Following parliamentary oversight visits to operational areas, some MPs questioned the ...
ewn.co.za/2026/10/06/motshekga-poor-state-of-sandf-vehicles-impacting-operation-prosper
The Citizen Oct 06
Police arrest 13 more illegal miners in Mpumalanga: The South African Police Service (Saps) arrested 13 more suspected illegal miners in Mpumalanga in an ...
citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/police-arrest-more-illegal-miners-mpumalanga/
Minna’s Cell of Death: Survivors recount how 37 mining suspects died in NSCDC custody
premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/912942-minnas-cell-of-death-survivors-recount-how-37-mining-suspect-died-in-nscdc-custody.html
EWN Oct 02
‘Rigged for a war’: Zama Zama gun battles shut N4 and disrupt agriculture in Mpumalanga
ewn.co.za/2026/10/02/rigged-for-a-war-zama-zama-gun-battles-shut-n4-and-disrupt-agriculture-in-mpumalanga
sabcnews.com Sep 30
WATCH | Junior Mining Council President Fred Arendse has welcomed the arrest of 121 suspected illegal miners in Fochville, Gauteng ... Show more
Taraba task force raids illegal mining sites, arrests eight: The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, targeted mining sites in Kusum ...
premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/912947-taraba-task-force-raids-illegal-mining-sites-arrests-eight.html
OpinionEDITORIAL: Miners’ mysterious deaths: A demand for justice: Ultimately, the Nigerian state failed them and nudged them towards their untimely graves ...
premiumtimesng.com/opinion/editorial/912797-editorial-miners-mysterious-deaths-a-demand-for-justice.html
SPECIAL REPORT: How poverty is pushing Plateau youths, children into hazardous work
premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/911539-special-report-how-poverty-is-pushing-plateau-youths-children-into-hazardous-work.html
EWN Sep 22
NPA seizes more than R7 million in assets linked to alleged illegal mining: Some of the items were seized in Rustenburg last month, where investigations revealed ...
ewn.co.za/2026/09/22/npa-seizes-more-than-r7-million-in-assets-linked-to-alleged-illegal-mining
Four die in Plateau mining pit collapse: Mr Makama said troops responded to a report of a sand excavation pit collapse involving suspected illegal miners along a ...
premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/911846-four-die-in-plateau-mining-pit-collapse.html
NSCDC suspends more officials over death of miners in custody: “We do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that undermines the ...
premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/911260-nscdc-suspends-more-officials-over-death-of-miners-in-custody.html
Nigeria has suspended a security commander in Niger State after 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody. The miners were arrested during operations against ... Show more
FG deploys experts to assist in probe of deaths of 37 detained illegal mining suspects in Niger
premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/910732-fg-deploys-experts-to-assist-in-probe-of-deaths-of-37-detained-illegal-mining-suspects-in-niger.html
Nigerian police probe death in custody of 37 illegal mining suspects: Officials blame disease outbreak for deaths as survivor suggests they suffocated.
aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/18/nigerian-police-probe-death-in-custody-of-37-illegal-mining-suspects
Over 20 feared trapped in Taraba mining pit collapse: A mining pit collapsed in Mayo Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, on Thursday.
premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/910527-over-20-feared-trapped-in-taraba-mining-pit-collapse.html
At least thirty-three people arrested in an illegal mining operation in Nigeria have died while in detention, sparking outrage and raising serious questions ... Show more
Four Chinese nationals arrested over illegal mining in Niger: The development comes amid a crackdown by the Niger State Government on unauthorised mining
premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/907171-four-chinese-nationals-arrested-over-illegal-mining-in-niger.html
Illegal Mining: Taraba govt sets up new task force: The task force is also responsible for protecting Taraba’s forests, environment and other natural resources ...
premiumtimesng.com/regional/nnorth-east/907710-illegal-mining-taraba-govt-sets-up-new-task-force.html
Key FactsTaraba Forms New Task Force Against Illegal Mining
Sep 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: premiumtimesng.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: premiumtimesng.com
- The government dissolved all previous committees and task forces to tackle unauthorised mining.
- Army Major A.M. Ghali is to command the force, with Army Captain K.R. Odenusi as deputy.
- The task force will protect forests, the environment and natural resources while enforcing relevant environmental laws and regulations.
- During a July raid in Gantu, two suspected miners were arrested; in August, the government reported 50 arrests and more than 500 others dispersed.
‘Dangerous’ illegal mining kingpin shot dead by police in Carletonville: A wanted illegal mining kingpin was shot dead by police in Carletonville on Sunday after ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-08-31-dangerous-illegal-mining-kingpin-shot-dead-by-police-in-carletonville/
At least six people have been killed in a mass shooting at an illegal mining site in South Africa. Police rushed to the site in Ngodwana ... Show more
14 illegal miners killed, scores injured at disused mine in South Africa: At least 14 illegal miners have died and scores were injured at a disused mine shaft in ...
wionews.com/world/14-illegal-miners-killed-scores-injured-at-disused-mine-in-south-africa-1786432920915
Ecuador Illegal Mining Raid Destroys 9 Excavators in the Amazon: Ecuador's Army destroyed nine excavators used for illegal gold mining in Napo and Morona ...
riotimesonline.com/ecuador-illegal-mining-raid-destroys-9-excavators-in-the-amazon/
Inside South Africa’s biggest crackdown yet on illegal mining: After 150 years, South Africa finally classifies illegal mining as unlawful
ebx.sh/zDY22Z
Illegal miners face 30-year sentences and R100m fines under new laws: Criminal Procedure Act to clamp down on illegal prospecting and mining activities
timeslive.co.za/news/2026-08-11-illegal-miners-face-30-year-sentences-and-r100m-fines-under-new-laws/
Peru steps up fight against illegal gold mining as activity enters protected Amazon reserve
bnnbloomberg.ca/markets/gold/2026/08/14/peru-steps-up-fight-against-illegal-gold-mining-as-activity-enters-protected-amazon-reserve/
Key FactsProsecutor Says Illegal Mining Has Entered Tambopata Reserve
Aug 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ctvnews.ca
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ctvnews.ca
- Prosecutor Ronald Flores Yáñez said illegal mining had already entered Tambopata National Reserve, where hundreds of dredges could be seen.
- According to Peruvian Navy official Renato Miranda, a three-day operation destroyed 56 motors, 78 mining rafts and 13,751 gallons (52,050 liters) of fuel valued at more than 15 million soles ($4 million).
- Illegal mining declined in parts of Madre de Dios after Operation Mercury in 2019, but miners later moved back toward protected areas.
- Authorities acknowledge that raids alone are insufficient, while prosecutors are pursuing not only equipment but also the financiers and profits behind the mining.
We can attest today that they have already entered the Tambopata National Reserve.— Ronald Flores Yáñez, deputy prosecutor for Peru's Office of the Attorney General, told The Associated Press.
South Africa dump site collapse kills 14 suspected illegal miners: The authorities are searching for anyone who may still be trapped under the rubble.
bbc.com/news/articles/cq6djprvevlo
Ghana's Parliament has passed a controversial bill that could see cocoa farmers jailed for repurposing their land without government approval ... Show more
Bernard Antwi Boasiako's illegal mining case: Anger after top Ghanaian politician 'Chairman Wontumi' sentenced to 20 years
bbc.com/news/articles/cpvwnjllwvwo
Key FactsOpposition Leader Sentenced for Illegal Mining in Ghana
Jul 20, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: africanews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: africanews.com
- Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti NPP chairman, was convicted for illegal mining activities by a Ghanaian court.
- The court found he unlawfully transferred mineral rights and supported unlicensed mining operations.
- Despite defense pleas citing job preservation, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor.
- The case highlights ongoing challenges with illegal mining causing environmental harm and water contamination in Ghana.
Two SANDF members killed after falling into abandoned mine shaft chasing illegal miners
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-07-17-two-sandf-members-killed-after-falling-into-abandoned-mine-shaft-chasing-illegal-miners/
Brazil uses forensic science to trace gold's origin and tackle illegal mining in the Amazon
ctvnews.ca/world/article/brazil-uses-forensic-science-to-trace-golds-origin-and-tackle-illegal-mining-in-the-amazon/
Ghanaians react after opposition politician Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a landmark illegal mining case that is expected to be ... Show more
South American trade bloc's top court takes up unprecedented Peru illegal mining case
cp24.com/news/world/2026/07/23/south-american-trade-blocs-top-court-takes-up-unprecedented-peru-illegal-mining-case/
Police recover AK-47 after deadly shoot-out with suspected illegal miners: Two suspected illegal miners were fatally wounded in a shoot-out with police in ...
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-07-28-police-recover-ak-47-after-deadly-shoot-out-with-suspected-illegal-miners/
South African police say 91 undocumented immigrants were among 105 suspects arrested during a weeklong operation targeting illegal mining in Mpumalanga.#DWAfrica
Illegal mining advances in the Amazon and corners park rangers in Ecuador: At least seven protected areas in this ecosystem are gold‑extractivism hotspots ...
english.elpais.com/international/2026-07-18/illegal-mining-advances-in-the-amazon-and-corners-park-rangers-in-ecuador.html
The Citizen Jul 11
Hawks nab five for illegal chrome mining in Thabazimbi: Investigators found that the mining being carried out at the site breached environmental and mining laws.
citizen.co.za/news/hawks-nab-five-for-illegal-chrome-mining-in-thabazimbi/
South African police and the military have arrested more than 200 people in a major crackdown on illegal mining operations near Johannesburg ... Show more
WATCH | Police pounce on more than 70 illegal miners during raid in West Rand: Multidisciplinary operation continues with authorities expecting more arrests
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-07-10-watch-police-pounce-on-more-than-70-illegal-miners-during-raid-in-west-rand/
Amid global crackdowns on cocaine trafficking, Colombia’s cartels and criminal groups have shifted to a new top moneymaker: gold ... Show more
Dailynewsegypt Jun 23
Egypt detains 136 foreigners and 87 citizens in southern military sweep against illegal mining and trafficking - Dailynewsegypt
dailynewsegypt.com/2026/06/22/egypt-detains-136-foreigners-and-87-citizens-in-southern-military-sweep-against-illegal-mining-and-trafficking/
Nigeria says it has discovered major critical mineral deposits in Kaduna State, including lithium, nickel, copper, gold, rare-earth elements ... Show more
At least 12 people have been killed and nine others injured after gunmen opened fire in an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, South Africa ... Show more
Costa Rican president evacuated after blast heard near illegal mining zone: Security forces evacuated Costa Rica’s president on Friday during a tour of a mining ...
ctvnews.ca/world/article/costa-rican-president-evacuated-after-blast-heard-near-illegal-mining-zone/
Newzroom Afrika Jun 10
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni says the deadly mass shooting in Cleveland may be linked to illegal mining although investigations are still ... Show more
Illegal miners extract billions in Amazon gold despite Brazil crackdown, Greenpeace finds
reuters.com/business/environment/illegal-miners-extract-billions-amazon-gold-despite-brazil-crackdown-greenpeace-2026-05-29/
Illegal mining bust: 43 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed in Gauteng: Forty-three suspected illegal miners, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-06-04-illegal-mining-bust-43-undocumented-foreign-nationals-nabbed-in-gauteng/
EWN May 25
Illegal mining tunnels discovered under shops and roads in Roodepoort: One of the most shocking discoveries was beneath a local butchery, where illegal miners ...
ewn.co.za/2026/05/25/illegal-mining-tunnels-discovered-under-shops-and-roads-in-roodepoort
Venezuela identifies new mosquito capable of transmitting malaria in mining region
english.elpais.com/health/2026-05-19/venezuela-identifies-new-mosquito-capable-of-transmitting-malaria-in-mining-region.html
EWN May 09
Chief Albert Luthuli informal settlement residents homeless after demolitions: Officials said the area has been taken over by undocumented foreign nationals who ...
ewn.co.za/2026/05/09/chief-albert-luthuli-informal-settlement-residents-homeless-after-demolitions
Baltimore Inner Harbor water quality ‘gradually declining,’ report shows: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is getting worse — even as other waterways in the region show ...
baltimoresun.com/2026/05/06/baltimore-inner-harbor-water-quality-declining/
Donald Trump Slams Anchor for Quoting Jeffrey Epstein Reference in Manifesto: President Donald Trump slammed a 60 Minutes anchor who quoted part of a manifesto ...
africanews.com/2026/04/27/drc-creates-paramilitary-mining-security-unit-backed-by-us-and-uae-funding/
Business ‘as usual’ for kingpins, zama zamas after Operation Prosper raid, say N12 residents
news24.com/southafrica/news/business-as-usual-for-kingpins-zama-zamas-after-operation-prosper-raid-say-n12-residents-20260425-0714
Paid articlePaywall
Costa Rica Police Arrest 19 Nicaraguans in Crucitas Gold Mining Sweep : The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate
ticotimes.net/2026/04/20/costa-rica-police-arrest-19-nicaraguans-in-crucitas-gold-mining-sweep
eNCA Apr 17
From illegal mining to heists, R1m seized at Beitbridge raises concerns: The seizure of explosives valued at R1 million at Beitbridge Port Entry early this week ...
enca.com/news/illegal-mining-heists-r1m-seized-beitbridge-raises-concerns
Tehsildar Run Over During Anti-Illegal Mining Raid In Odisha’s Jajpur, Critical: According to preliminary reports, a group of miscreants targeted the officer and ...
deccanchronicle.com/nation/tehsildar-run-over-during-anti-illegal-mining-raid-in-odishas-jajpur-critical-1951303
EWN Apr 15
Truck carrying huge cache of concealed explosives stopped at SA border: A truck carrying concealed mining explosives has been stopped at the Beitbridge border ...
ewn.co.za/2026/04/15/truck-carrying-huge-cache-of-concealed-explosives-stopped-at-sa-border
Indonesian prosecutors raid companies of coal tycoon accused of illegal mining operations
reuters.com/sustainability/indonesian-prosecutors-raid-companies-coal-tycoon-accused-illegal-mining-2026-03-30/
defence-blog.com Mar 30
Ecuador forces field AMX-13 tanks in anti-mining raid: The Ecuadorian Army launched a military operation near the Colombian border targeting an illegal mining ...
defence-blog.com/ecuador-forces-field-amx-13-tanks-in-anti-mining-raid/
EWN Apr 02
Cabinet welcomes SANDF deployment to combat gangsterism and illegal mining: Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, however, says the deployment is not a ...
ewn.co.za/2026/04/02/cabinet-welcomes-sandf-deployment-to-combat-gangsterism-and-illegal-mining
Key FactsSANDF Tackles Illegal Mining and Gang Violence
Mar 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- President Ramaphosa highlighted that this SANDF deployment acts as a force multiplier supporting police operations differently than past missions.
- The military assists with high-risk searches, roadblocks, and infrastructure patrols to free law enforcement for investigative duties.
- Raids in Gauteng led to confiscation of mining equipment and destruction of suspected gold-processing materials at abandoned sites.
- Concerns were raised that deploying the military in civilian areas risks escalating tensions and unfairly targeting communities.
The military is not trained for civilian policing. We saw the disastrous backlash during the Covid-19 lockdown, where soldiers, operating under unclear rules of engagement, brutalised the very communities they were meant to protect. Deploying the SANDF into the complex social fabric of our townships is a recipe for confrontation, not safety. It criminalises an entire community rather than isolating the actual criminals.— Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), commenting on the SANDF deployment and its impact on communities.
South Africa has deployed 2,200 soldiers to crack down on illegal mining and gang-related crime, targeting gold extraction syndicates and drug‑trafficking ... Show more
Liberia: Cllr. Gongloe Vows Impeachment Campaign if Boakai Fails to Probe Border Mining Allegation
frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/liberia-cllr-gongloe-vows-impeachment-campaign-if-boakai-fails-to-probe-border-mining-allegation/
WATCH | Zille: Arrest, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants: DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille wants illegal foreigners to be arrested ...
timeslive.co.za/politics/2026-03-18-watch-zille-arrest-prosecute-and-deport-illegal-immigrants/
Soldiers have been deployed on the streets of Johannesburg in South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to use the army to support police in ... Show more
EWN Mar 14
Deployment of soldiers to cost more than R823 million: The Presidency made the announcement on Friday, confirming more than 2,000 SANDF members have been ...
ewn.co.za/2026/03/14/deployment-of-soldiers-to-cost-more-than-r823-million
Ramaphosa deploys 550 soldiers to fight illegal mining in Gauteng: Deployment expected to cost state more than R80m
timeslive.co.za/politics/2026-03-11-ramaphosa-deploys-550-soldiers-to-help-fight-illegal-mining-in-gauteng/
Key Facts550 Soldiers Deployed to Combat Illegal Mining in Gauteng
Mar 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- President Ramaphosa authorized the deployment of 550 SANDF soldiers to assist police in curbing illegal mining in Gauteng.
- This initiative, named Operation Prosper, is scheduled from January 31 to April 30, 2026, with an estimated cost exceeding R80 million.
- Members of Parliament expressed concerns about the deployment’s scope, funding adequacy, and soldier conduct during the operation.
- The Gauteng deployment marks the initial phase of a broader plan including interventions in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
I have employed 550 members of the SANDF for service in co-operation with the SAPS to prevent and combat crime and maintain and preserve law and order in Gauteng under Operation Prosper — illegal mining.— Cyril Ramaphosa; addressing the deployment of the SANDF to Gauteng to combat illegal mining under Operation Prosper.
sabcnews.com Mar 11
Soldiers have arrived in Riverlea in Johannesburg this morning.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address ... Show more
Government deploys SANDF, SAPS in joint operation to tackle organised crime hotspots
mg.co.za/article/2026-03-15-government-deploys-sandf-saps-in-joint-operation-to-tackle-organised-crime-hotspots/
EWN Mar 13
Terrified residents claim police collusion amid illegal mining crackdown in Randfontein
ewn.co.za/2026/03/13/terrified-residents-claim-police-collusion-amid-illegal-mining-crackdown-in-randfontein
