Police shuts down illegal coal mine in Mpumalanga, seize R60m equipment
The South African Police Service’s illicit mining task team unit has closed down an illegal coal mine operating in Carolina, Mpumalanga.
Mining equipment worth R60 million and coal worth R12 million were seized on Tuesday.
The confiscated equipment included excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks, while a 53-year-old mine manager was arrested after failing to produce a mining permit.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the mine was not licensed and thus operating illegally.
"In the past twelve months, 748 coal yards across the country were visited to ensure compliance. A total of 63 unregulated coal yards were shut down because they were not authorised by law to operate by the Department of Minerals Resources and Energy and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
"Through high-density operations, 335 illegal miners have been arrested at various hotspots across the country since 8 May 2023. A manhunt is currently underway for the owner of the mine,” she added.
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