19 Jun 2019

Mining and extractives / Dark world of the Zama Zamas: illegal mining in SA

New research exposes the impact of illegal mining, and interrogates government, industry and community responses.

South Africa is one of the biggest sources of illicit gold in Africa. Estimates of outputs by illegal miners or ‘Zama Zamas’ suggest that lost gold production may exceed R14 billion (about USD$1 billion) a year. New evidence provided by the ENACT project at the Institute for Security Studies reveals the trends and drivers of illegal mining in the country.

Illegal artisanal mining undermines the economy and presents social and security challenges. This seminar launches the research findings, and discusses the limits of current police and broader policy responses.

Chairperson: Eric Pelser, Programme Head, ENACT project, ISS

Welcome: Representative of the European Union Delegation to South Africa

Speakers:

  • Alan Martin, Technical Adviser and investigative researcher, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
  • Ciaran Ryan, Mining Expert
  • Richard Chelin, Researcher, ENACT project, ISS
  • Representative of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, South African Police Service (TBC)

Enquiries: Richard Chelin – [email protected] 

Photo © Daniel Born/Flickr

ENACT is funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by the ISS, INTERPOL and Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime. Speakers appear in their personal capacity and cannot be seen to represent or reflect the position of the EU.

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ENACT is funded by the European Union
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ENACT is implemented by the Institute for Security Studies in partnership with
INTERPOL and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.