In a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, in tandem with a specialized illegal mining unit within the South African Police Service, has achieved a major milestone by securing a provisional preservation of property order. This order authorizes the seizure of assets valued at over R1.5 billion, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against unlawful resource extraction in South Africa.
The frozen assets encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from a farm situated in Carolina to substantial quantities of coal, cars, and heavy-duty machinery purportedly utilized at an alleged illegal mining operation in Mpumalanga.
Monica Nyuswa, the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, shed light on the details of the case. According to her, an approximate 270,000 tons of coal were allegedly extracted unlawfully over a span of two years from two segments of the aforementioned farm by a company identified as GNJ Mining.
Nyuswa further elaborated, stating, “At an estimated market value price of R980 per ton, the illicit extraction of 270,000 tons translates to roughly R264 million worth of coal that was unlawfully acquired during the specified two-year period.”
Highlighting the absence of valid authorization or permits from regulatory bodies, Nyuswa emphasized, “GNJ Mining operated without lawful sanction from the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources] and/or the DARDLEA [Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs] to conduct coal mining activities on the farm.”
She added, “The illegally mined coal was transported to the Droogvalley Barrel Plant in the Carolina area, where it underwent processing and ‘washing’ to prepare it for sale to GNJ Mining’s coal-consuming clientele.”
The sequence of events leading to this landmark seizure began with the arrest of an individual subsequent to a raid conducted on a farm premises. Nyuswa detailed the operation, stating, “Acting on credible intelligence, the SAPS executed an operation at the farm on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, unveiling the extensive illegal coal mining operation both at the farm and Droogvalley. During the operation, the SAPS apprehended the illegal Mine Manager, Paul Boshoff, and confiscated a significant portion of the assets located at the farm and Droogvalley.”
“Boshoff was taken into custody on 19 September 2023 and made his appearance in court the following day,” Nyuswa confirmed.
This case, indicative of the growing efforts to combat illegal mining practices, is slated for a hearing scheduled on 16 February 2024 at the Carolina Magistrates’ Court. The upcoming legal proceedings hold significant implications for the future trajectory of addressing illegal mining operations within South Africa.
The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the judicial system signal a proactive stance in curbing illicit resource extraction, underscoring the commitment to uphold regulatory frameworks and protect the nation’s natural resources.
This landmark seizure not only serves as a deterrent to illegal mining activities but also underscores the imperative need for adherence to regulatory protocols and lawful authorization within South Africa’s mining landscape. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case stands poised to set a precedent in addressing and preventing unlawful exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth.
The culmination of this case’s legal journey holds the promise of a more vigilant and robust approach to safeguarding South Africa’s natural resources against exploitation, contributing to the sustainable and responsible management of the nation’s mining sector.
This website uses cookies.
