The recent case of trapped miners in Stilfontein, North West, which led to several fatalities and a standoff with authorities, highlighted the ongoing challenge of illegal mining in South Africa. The latest edition of Spatial Insights analyses illegal mining activities, including the socio-economic risks in the nearby areas, characterised by high unemployment and economic distress.
Combining spatial and socio-economic risk analyses will provide insights to the government that will inform geotargeted interventions and strategies to prioritise closing abandoned mines to tackle this challenge efficiently.
Illegal mining, defined as mining activities conducted without state permission, is a significant challenge in South Africa. This practice occurs in both abandoned and operational mines, where individuals, often referred to as zama zamas, extract valuable minerals under hazardous conditions. The rise in illegal mining is attributed to socio-economic hardships and limited resources available to law enforcement agencies (Minerals Council South Africa).
The North West province is among the regions in South Africa significantly affected by illegal mining activities. The province’s rich mineral deposits have attracted numerous illegal miners, particularly in areas like Stilfontein, which was once a hub for legitimate mining operations but has now become a focal point for such illicit activities. This analysis focuses on three key mines—Vaal Reefs Mine, Stilfontein Mine and Hartebeestfontein Gold Mine as they have been identified as hotspots of illegal mining in the province. These sites have seen a concentration of illegal mining activities due to their historical significance and the availability of abandoned shafts, making them prime targets for zama zamas (Parliamentary briefing on illegal mining, 2022).
Figure 1: Kernel density map of illegal mining hotspots in the North West
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of illegal mining activities. Kernel density mapping (Figure 1) visualizes the concentration of illegal mining incidents across the North West. Areas depicted in darker shades represent higher-density zones where illegal mining activities are more frequent. The results show that Vaal Reefs, Stilfontein and Hartebeestfontein Gold are major hotspots, reinforcing previous reports that these sites attract significant illegal mining operations. In addition to identifying hotspots, the map also highlights proximity to informal settlements and major roads, which play a critical role in illegal mining activities. Informal settlements near these mining sites often serve as base areas for illegal miners, providing accommodation and access to underground tunnels.
The Socio-Economic Risk Index (SERI) map (Figure 2) categorizes areas based on socio-economic vulnerability, highlighting regions with higher levels of economic hardship. The results show that many high-risk areas are located near identified illegal mining hotspots. These areas, characterized by high unemployment and economic distress, are closely linked to illegal mining activity, as individuals in these communities often turn to mining as a means of survival. High-risk areas near mining hotspots and along major transport routes create an environment where illegal mining thrives due to a combination of accessibility, economic desperation and weak enforcement capabilities.
Figure 2: Socio-Economic Risk Index (SERI) and illegal mining hotspots in the North West
Illegal mining in the North West, exemplified by the Stilfontein incident, underscores the complex interplay between economic desperation and unlawful resource extraction. The spatial analyses provided by the kernel density and SERI maps offer critical insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies, helping to pinpoint high-risk areas that require intervention. To mitigate the challenges posed by illegal mining, a multifaceted approach is essential. Strengthening law enforcement capacity, engaging local communities through alternative livelihood programs, accelerating mine rehabilitation to reduce illegal mining opportunities, and implementing policy reforms to address legislative gaps are all necessary steps. By adopting these strategies, South Africa can work towards reducing illegal mining activities and their associated socio-economic and environmental impacts.
Moeti, T., Weir-Smith, G. & Mokhele, T. (2025). Illegal mining in the North West: examining hotspots and socio-economic risk. Spatial Insights: Edition 15. Pretoria: eResearch Knowledge Centre, Human Sciences Research Council. DOI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/23203.
For more information, contact:
Thabiso Moeti (tmoeti@hsrc.ac.za), or Tholang Mokhele (tamokhele@hsrc.ac.za)
