JOHANNESBURG - The face behind illegal gold mining in South Africa is that of a black man covered in dust. He is known as a zama-zama – a Zulu phrase that refers to one who takes a chance.

Ministry of Mining has raised concerns about the escalating trend of illegal mining in the country involving both communities ...

Illegal artisanal gold mining in South Africa is in the spotlight again. Under Operation Vala Umgodi ("plug the hole"), South ...

Illegal mining is a widespread crime in South Africa. Authorities have increasingly taken a hard line, cracking down on miners, called “zama zamas”. At least one of the miners has been ...

Such illegal mining has long been going on across South Africa. The standoff in Stilfontein — now in its third week — has highlighted the extent of illegal mining in the country. Police ...

By Junior Mining Council President Fred Arendse The harrowing incident in Klerksdorp, where thousands of illegal miners remain trapped in a disused mineshaft, underscores the depth of South Africa’s ...

Illegal gold mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has spread across Ghana, driven by historic rises in global gold prices.