A gold rush has captivated an informal settlement east of Johannesburg, South Africa, following recent reports of gold particle discoveries.
A resident from the impoverished neighborhood of Springs claimed to have unearthed several gold nuggets while digging in an outdoor enclosure previously utilized for cattle.
In response, dozens of individuals have flocked to the area, excavating the fenced space where cows were once kept, driven by the hope of striking it rich.
Equipped with pickaxes and shovels, they sift through the soil, evoking scenes reminiscent of the gold rush that contributed to the establishment of South Africa’s financial capital over a century ago.
Once a thriving gold town, Springs saw its mines close several years ago due to the unfeasibility of deep mining operations.
Today, the town is enveloped by informal settlements, many inhabited by migrants from neighboring nations.
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources has condemned the recent mining activities in Gugulethu, Springs, labeling them illegal and cautioning against the environmental damage they cause.
Some individuals engaged in the digging have reported to the BBC that they have successfully found gold, which they then sold on the black market.
They employ hazardous chemicals, such as mercury and sodium cyanide, to extract gold from ore.
One anonymous digger expressed, “We recognize the illegality of our actions. We urge the government to issue mining permits so we can work legally and contribute taxes.” He highlighted his role as a father of two, emphasizing the necessity of earning a livelihood to support his children’s education and provide for his family.
Another individual shared with the BBC, “This is the only means of making a living that we know. It has kept many of us from engaging in serious and violent crimes.”
Currently, a gram of gold fetches approximately $100 (£74), while the monthly minimum wage in South Africa stands at $368 (£270).
Many of those laboring at the site during the BBC’s visit originally migrated from neighboring Lesotho.
At around 14:00 local time, following the school day, children began arriving at the site after changing out of their uniforms, eager to assist their parents in the gold excavation.
During the visit, the BBC observed that certain areas of the ground had become unstable.
The mining ministry issued a warning on Tuesday, stating, “Unregulated excavation may lead to ground instability, posing significant risks of injury or loss of life to nearby communities, especially children.”
Illegal mining remains a prevalent issue in South Africa, with numerous fatalities recorded over the years due to unsafe working conditions.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to deploy the army to aid police in combating criminal gangs and illegal mining activities across the nation.
Authorities attribute much of the organized crime associated with illegal mining to “zama zamas,” often armed, undocumented foreign nationals.
However, there is currently no official evidence linking such activities to the situation in Springs.
