Ntshavheni: Govt to close all derelict mine shafts in Riverl
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has committed to close all derelict open mine shafts in Riverlea by the end of September.
Residents of Riverlea took to the streets at the end of July to protest against illegal mining in the area.
The protest came a day after the police discovered five bodies believed to be those of illegal miners.
Since the protests, some 200 suspected illegal miners have been arrested, of which 170 were undocumented persons.
Residents have also called for the nearby Zamimpilo informal settlement to be demolished.
They claim the settlement is home to many of the illegal miners operating in the area.
“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has committed to close all derelict open mine shafts in Riverlea by the end of September whilst finalising plans to close other derelict open shafts and mining holes across the country,” Ntshavheni told a briefing on this week’s cabinet meeting on Thursday.
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