Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, has taken a firm stance against illegal mining in the country, particularly condemning the dominance of foreign nationals in this illicit activity. Speaking in August 2025, Mantashe made it clear that artisanal mining licenses will not be issued to Mozambicans, Basotho, or Zimbabweans—a group he identified as dominating illegal mining operations. Instead, these licenses will be reserved for South African citizens who aspire to enter the mining sector legitimately as entrepreneurs.
Minister Mantashe emphasized that illegal mining is not a mining activity but a criminal enterprise harmful to the South African economy, draining billions of rand annually. He stressed the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining through coordinated efforts with law enforcement, including ongoing operations like “Vala Umgodi” aimed at closing illegal mine entrances. The minister underscored that efforts are underway to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining through a licensing framework intended to include local communities historically excluded from mining benefits while promoting regulatory certainty and safety.
The artisanal mining program has started issuing licenses—with 21 already granted—focused strictly on legitimate entrepreneurs, not illegal miners often labeled as “zama-zamas.” Mantashe rebutted criticisms of government softness on illegal mining, pointing out that the majority of arrested illegal miners in recent incidents are foreign nationals. He also highlighted the need to hold mine owners accountable for rehabilitation and safety.
Overall, Mantashe’s approach seeks to balance crackdowns on criminal mining syndicates dominated by foreigners, while fostering local participation through lawful artisanal mining licenses, thereby supporting economic inclusion and security in the sector. This dual approach aims to curb illegal mining’s systemic issues and restore integrity in South Africa’s mineral resources sector