Illegal mining leaves Johannesburg facing R262m road-repair bill
Johannesburg estimates that restoring five roads damaged by illegal mining will cost R262 million, while sinkholes and underground excavations threaten bridges, utilities and public safety elsewhere in South Africa.
Illegal mining operations across South Africa are causing significant infrastructure damage, with costs mounting in the Johannesburg area. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) describes the situation as "severe" and "extremely serious," affecting roads, bridges, electricity networks, and water facilities. Illegal mining activities are conducted without the necessary legislative obligations, creating public safety risks and environmental degradation.
The City of Johannesburg has estimated that R262 million is needed to repair five roads damaged by illegal mining, and City Power faces similar threats to its electricity network. The issue also poses a threat to the formal mining workforce, as it undermines the sustainability of legal mining operations and raises concerns about air quality, living conditions, and infrastructure maintenance.
Although the full financial impact of illegal mining on Johannesburg is unknown, the city is working with law enforcement agencies to address the problem.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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