Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, said illegal mining continues to be one of the most pressing challenges in South Africas mining sector, resulting in billions in lost revenue.
Mantashe was speaking at the South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining.
His remarks come ahead of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town from 9 to 12 February 2026. The Mining Indaba is Africas biggest mining conference, centred around mining investment, policy, sustainability and economic growth on the continent.
