The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill, saying it could help tackle illegal mining and organised criminal syndicates.
COSATU says illegal mining has become a national crisis, putting the lives of mineworkers, security personnel, police and soldiers at risk while threatening communities and legal jobs in the mining sector.
The union federation supports proposed changes that would create permits for artisanal and small-scale miners. It says this could help create legal jobs, provide training and improve health and safety for legitimate miners.
The Bill also proposes tougher penalties for people involved in illegal mining. Fines could increase significantly, while maximum prison sentences could rise to 30 years. COSATU says the measures would allow authorities to target not only illegal miners but also the syndicates, financiers and buyers behind the illegal operations.
The proposed legislation would further give the South African Police Service greater powers to investigate, search and seize property linked to illegal mining.
COSATU is calling on Cabinet to approve the Bill and table it in Parliament before the February 2027 State of the Nation Address.
The federation also wants government to provide more resources to SAPS, the Hawks and specialised prosecutors to enforce the law.
