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Gold discovery triggers chaotic digging in Springs
An informal settlement east of Johannesburg has become the epicenter of a sudden gold rush after a resident claimed to uncover gold particles while digging in a cattle enclosure. The discovery has drawn dozens of prospectors to the area, despite warnings from authorities about the dangers and illegality of the activity.
From cattle pen to gold mine
The frenzy began when a resident of Gugulethu, a poor neighborhood in the former mining town of Springs, found several gold nuggets while excavating soil in an outdoor enclosure once used for livestock. Within days, scores of people armed with pickaxes and shovels descended on the site, transforming the fenced area into an impromptu mine.
Springs, once a thriving gold town, saw its mines shuttered years ago due to the prohibitive costs of deep-shaft operations. Today, the town is surrounded by informal settlements, many housing migrants from neighboring countries.
Government condemns illegal mining
South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources has strongly criticized the unregulated digging, labeling it illegal and warning of environmental damage. The ministry also highlighted the risks of ground instability, which could endanger nearby communities, particularly children.
"Unregulated excavation may result in ground instability, placing nearby communities and particularly children at significant risk of injury or loss of life,"
South African Department of Mineral Resources
Desperation drives prospectors
Despite the risks, many diggers say they have found gold and sold it on the black market. A gram of gold currently fetches around $100 (£74), a significant sum compared to South Africa's monthly minimum wage of $368 (£270).
One unnamed prospector, a father of two, told the BBC he was digging to support his family. "We know this is illegal. We want the government to give us mining permits so we can work and pay tax," he said.
Another digger, who did not wish to be identified, stated that mining was their only livelihood. "This is the only hustle we know. It has saved many of us from being arrested for committing serious and violent crimes."
Children join the dig
By mid-afternoon, after school hours, children began arriving at the site to assist their parents. Many of the diggers are reportedly from Lesotho, a neighboring country.
The use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and sodium cyanide to extract gold from ore further compounds the dangers of the unregulated activity.
Broader context of illegal mining
Illegal mining, locally known as "zama zama" operations, is a persistent issue in South Africa. These operations are often linked to organized crime syndicates and have resulted in numerous fatalities over the years due to unsafe working conditions.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to deploy the military to assist police in combating illegal mining and criminal gangs. However, there is no evidence yet that such syndicates are involved in the Springs gold rush.
