South Africa’s fast-growing chrome sector is fueling a potentially hazardous underground economy, one in which unemployed and migrant workers are involved in illegal mining activities under extremely risky and unprotected circumstances.
The problem came to light in August after the collapse of an abandoned mine shaft close to Rustenburg in the North West province left 14 suspected illegal miners dead. According to reports, another eight people were injured, and the identity and nationality of the deceased were yet to be determined.
Illegal chrome mining in South Africa is becoming a serious concern, especially in North West and Limpopo provinces that are rich in minerals.
Reasons for the Expansion of Illegal Chrome Mining
South Africa is known as the biggest producer and exporter of chromium in the world, with its chromium deposits playing a big role in global stainless-steel chains.
It is worth mentioning that chromium has become another opportunity for criminal organizations because of the fact that deposits can be mined near the surface and there is no need in large scale mining industry.
Recently, the North West Provincial Legislature expressed concerns about the growth of illegal mining and unauthorized chrome wash plants in areas such as Bojanala and Madibeng. Officials also noted that there are some challenges in regulation that are affecting control over illegal activities.
Employment Crisis Fuels the Underground Economy
The illegal mining economy does not refer only to criminal organizations mining natural resources. It is also connected with the employment crisis in South Africa.
The official unemployment rate in the country reached 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, and 8.5 million people in total are unemployed in South Africa.
The provincial government in North West noted an extended unemployment rate of 56% in the second quarter.
That is why poverty, lack of job options, and mineral wealth make people ready to do risky work underground.
There have been reports recently on how poverty among South Africans, or people coming from other countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, can be used to involve them in a network of illegal mining, working in abandoned sites.
Many workers find themselves ready to take those risks just because there is an immediate way of earning money, even if the working conditions are not very good – unsafe ground, no ventilation, explosive materials and no safety procedures for the miners.
The Criminals Get Rich While Miners Take All the Risks
Illegal mining may put workers at the bottom of a criminal network.
It is known that illegal mining is always connected with criminal activities, and the recent raid shows that authorities were targeting people involved in illegal mining, transportation, and processing of ore.
Thus, in July, the Hawks of South Africa arrested five suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal chrome mining in Thabazimbi in Limpopo province.
A court order was obtained by authorities in May for the forfeiture of assets valued at approximately R4.4 million related to allegations of illegal chrome mining in Limpopo, involving trucks and trailers used to transport the ore.
Illegal Mining Has Serious Effects on Communities Too
The effects are not limited to miners.
Illegal mining may create dangerous open pits, destabilize land and affect agricultural land and water resources. Communities living near mines are also at risk of violence, intimidation and disputes over land.
Violence and intimidation are some of the problems which have been reported in relation to illegal chrome mining in Limpopo. According to police reports made in June, illegal chrome mining near Jackalas Mountain in the province had been connected with extortion and violence. A 22-year-old citizen of Zimbabwe has been injured in what is believed to be a fight in an area of illegal mining operations.
The legislature of North West has also expressed concerns regarding environmental degradation through illegal mining and unauthorized chrome mining.
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Challenges to Ending Illegitimate Chrome Mining Operations
In South Africa, there has been an increase in regulation as a result of the government’s Operation Vala Umgodi, which targets illegitimate mining and the criminal syndicates that operate within and around abandoned and operational mining areas.
However, merely tightening regulations will not solve the issue of why individuals engage in illegal activities.
As long as unemployment rates are very high and chrome has significant value in global marketplaces, the individuals who run these operations can keep finding individuals willing to risk their lives for money.
