JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Parliament’s Select Committee on Economic Development on Friday visited gold producer Harmony’s Eland shaft, in Welkom, after a spate of illegal mining deaths at the operation.

Over 80 illegal miners have died at the Eland shaft, after succumbing to smoke inhalation during an underground fire.

Committee chairperson Freddie Adams told Mining Weekly Online that the aim of the visit was for the committee to familiarise itself with the circumstances and issues surrounding the illegal mining before debating the issue in the National Assembly.

Adams stated that a stakeholders meeting was likely to take place within the next week, and from there the committee would meet with the National Council for Provinces and the National Assembly. A full report will then be compiled to take to Parliament.

Adams stated that the committee was looking at all avenues of possible recourse against illegal mining, and would support any decision made by the Mining Minister.

“At the moment, legislation is very vague in terms of illegal mining. They can only catch them and charge them for trespassing, the trespassers then pay a fine and they are released the next day. But these guys are so sophisticated, so I would say that we need to have legislation put in place,” Adams said.

He noted that the committee was also in support of the endeavours undertaken by mining houses to root out illegal mining and corruption.

“Illegal mining and corruption is robbing the country of economic and financial support. But not only that, it also has a very negative impact on the communities surrounding the mines.”

Speaking to Mining Weekly Online after the committee's visit to the Eland shaft, Harmony described the government's response to the issue of illegal mining as "refreshing".

"It is refreshing to hear that they are so eager to solve this problem and that the issues around criminal mining would not remain unchallenged," said spokesperson Marian van der Walt.

She stated that the committee would also be approaching government departments, such as the Department of Home Affairs, as some of the issues overlapped. "We as mine management are extremely impressed with the assistance that this issue is receiving from everyone."

About 100 people have died this year as a result of illegal mining activities near Welkom and Barberton.

Illegal mining has been taking place for a number of years, but is intensifying with the higher gold price. It is believed to be linked to syndicates.

In 2007, 23 illegal miners were killed in an underground fire in a disused shaft of Harmony’s St Helena mine in the Free State.

Chamber of Mines CEO Mzolisi Diliza had previously said that illegal activities undermined the industry's initiatives to put in place safety measures.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.