South Africa’s abandoned mines have become a dangerous battleground for illegal gold miners, known locally as zama zamas. Desperate to earn a living, these miners risk their lives daily in hazardous conditions, navigating deep, unstable tunnels often without proper equipment or safety measures.
Driven by poverty and unemployment, zama zamas venture into old gold mines long abandoned by major companies. These sites, rich in residual gold deposits, have become hotspots for illicit mining activities. However, the lack of maintenance in these mines poses significant risks, including cave-ins, toxic gas exposure, and underground flooding.
Violence is another major threat. Organized criminal syndicates often control access to the mines, exploiting miners and sparking brutal turf wars. Armed confrontations over territory are common, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.
Beyond the immediate dangers, illegal mining also has environmental and societal consequences. Toxic waste from informal mining operations pollutes water sources, affecting nearby communities. The miners themselves are often trapped in cycles of exploitation, earning only a fraction of the profits while criminal networks reap the rewards.
Efforts to curb illegal mining have proven challenging. Law enforcement crackdowns often drive miners deeper underground, while socio-economic issues fueling the trade remain unaddressed. Activists and experts argue that comprehensive solutions, including job creation and the rehabilitation of disused mines, are essential to tackling this crisis.
For many zama zamas, however, the lure of gold continues to outweigh the life-threatening risks, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of desperation and survival.
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