Illegal mining leaves Johannesburg facing R285m-plus infrastructure repair bill
Johannesburg estimates that repairing five roads damaged by illegal mining could cost R262m, while sinkholes, unstable ground and underground excavations threaten bridges, electricity and water infrastructure.
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.
