Illegal gold mining in South Africa

Due to socio-economic problems such as rising unemployment and poverty rates in South Africa, there has been an increase in illegal gold mining.

The underground miners known as "zama-zamas" are called "those who try to get something out of nothing."

The work of deputies is dangerous because of the explosives used in mines to break up the rock of the ore. In May last year alone, the bodies of 25 illegal miners were found after a gas explosion in a mine near the town of Welkom. The zama zamas use the pillars set up by the previous miners to try to balance the rocks and prevent these landslides.

They earn pennies for work that puts their lives at risk on a daily basis. Clashes among deputies are not uncommon. According to the miner, some people bring weapons to sites as a means of violence and intimidation.

This has forced operators to hire guards at the mine entrances, which means further dividing the already meager revenues from the illicitly mined precious metal.