Indonesia’s exports of tin recovered in November, in a sign that concerns are easing over supply disruptions caused by the country’s crackdown on illegal mining https://t.co/3PP5XpaZaW ...

A multi-billion-dollar gold project owned by the world’s biggest bullion producer has been invaded by illegal diggers in northern Peru https://t.co/HODWw94omn ...

Industry Overview & Economic Impact - South Africa's gold mining industry is centuries old, but is currently in decline [1][21] - Illegal mining and gold theft have cost South Africa 41 billion Rand [2] - The South African government estimates losing potentially around 60 billion Rand in revenue due to illegal mining [4] - As of 2024, there are approximately 6,200 abandoned or derelict mines in South Africa [2] Illegal Mining & "Zama Zamas" - Illegal miners, known as "zama zamas" (meaning "try and try again"), enter abandoned mines to extract remaining deposits [3][4] - The majority of illegal miners are undocumented foreign nationals [10] - Illegal mining is considered a criminal activity and a war on the economy [2][8] - Some zama zamas are against formalization of artisanal mining, fearing reduced profits, while others simply want to be left alone due to government's failure to provide jobs [25] Government Response & Operation Vala Umgodi - Operation Vala Umgodi is a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation aimed at cracking down on illegal mining [4] - Vala Umgodi tactics include blocking routes used to deliver food to illegal miners [5] - The government initially refused to assist trapped miners, viewing them as criminals evading arrest [12][15] - The North Gauteng High Court ordered mine rescue services to begin operations to rescue illegal miners [17] Stilfontein Tragedy & Community Impact - The Stilfontein incident is described as a "massacre" due to the large number of deaths [1][16] - The architecture of the Stilfontein shaft, a two-kilometer drop with flooded tunnels, made escape difficult [7] - Community members stepped in to rescue illegal miners when the police refused [12][13][19] - The Stilfontein community experienced a shutdown of the local economy and is described as a "ghost town" [21] - There is anger and a desire for acknowledgement and compensation from the government for the loss of life [23][24]

Illegal Mining Activities and Risks - Illegal mining involves gold theft, estimated at billions [1] - Illegal miners face significant risks, including potential death [2] - Minors are involved in illegal mining activities [2] - Food scarcity is a major issue for illegal miners, with some resorting to eating insects [2] - The architecture of some illegal mining shafts extends a kilometer deep into the earth [2] Socio-Economic Factors - Illegal mining provides a livelihood for some families [1] - Some individuals turn to illegal mining due to lack of educational opportunities [2] - The loss of a parent can lead individuals to engage in illegal mining [2] Government and Law Enforcement - The South African government is losing billions due to illegal mining [2] - There are calls for the government to shut down illegal mines across the country [2] - Law enforcement is needed to address illegal mining activities [2] - Some police officers should be stationed full-time at the mining sites where illegal mining started [2] Challenges and Conditions - Illegal miners face physically demanding conditions [2] - Miners pray for survival during their work [2] - The journey from the bottom of the mine to the top is difficult and dangerous [2]

Industry Overview - Gold mining in South Africa has a historical significance, contributing to the country's development [1] - Illegal gold mining highlights issues of hunger, survival, and death within the industry [1] Risks and Challenges - The Stilfontein disaster exemplifies the dangers associated with illegal mining activities [1] - Illegal mining turns the quest for gold into a story of survival and death [1]

Industry Catastrophe - Illegal gold mining disaster in Stilfontein, South Africa, at Shaft 11 resulted in over 100 fatalities [1] Regulatory Oversight - The catastrophe highlights potential failures in preventing illegal mining activities [1]

Illegal Mining Impact - Illegal mining is considered a criminal activity and a war on the economy [1] - Mining companies are losing revenue due to ongoing illegal mining operations [1] - The government is losing significant revenue as a result of illegal mining [1] Law Enforcement and Security - Over 80 illegal mining suspects were arrested by the defense force [2] - Organized syndicates are exploiting the opportunity and terrorizing communities [2] - Law enforcement agencies aim to eliminate illegal miners [1][2] Illegal Miners Profile - A majority of illegal miners are undocumented foreign nationals [1] - Illegal miners are disrupting the lives of citizens [2]

Crypto Mining in Iran - Over 95% of crypto mining machines in Iran are illegal [1] - Officials estimate over 95% of Iran's 427,000 active mining rigs are running without government approval [1] Energy Consumption - Illegal miners drain over 1,400 megawatts of power nonstop [1] - 1,400 megawatts is enough to supply millions of homes [1]

Illegal Crypto Mining in Iran - Over 95% of crypto mining machines in Iran are operating illegally [1] - Unauthorized miners consume over 1400 megawatts of electricity, enough to power millions of homes [2] - Subsidized electricity prices have turned Iran into a "paradise for illegal miners" but strain the national grid [1][2] Government Crackdown - Authorities are offering 1 million toman (~$24) for every illegal mining device reported [4] - In Tehran Province, 104 illegal farms were dismantled and 1465 mining machines seized, equivalent to the power usage of about 10000 homes [3] - 80 new farms were discovered this year, running more than 1300 devices and drawing power equivalent to 8000 households [3] Impact and Global Ranking - Illegal operators disguise their activities as industrial facilities to access cheaper power [2] - Iran accounts for 42% of global Bitcoin hashrate, ranking fifth globally [4]

Crypto Mining in Iran - Over 95% of crypto mining machines in Iran are reportedly illegal [1] - Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company official reported the high percentage of illegal crypto mining [1]