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Illegal mining a serious concern, says dept

Johannesburg - Illegal mining activities are a serious concern, the mineral resources department said on Sunday.

"The issue of illegal mining remains a serious concern to the department, and we continue to work with law enforcement agencies to handle the matter," the department said in a statement.

At least 200 illegal miners were trapped at an abandoned mine in Benoni in the East Rand this weekend. Rescue workers abandoned their mission on Sunday evening after the 11 miners they managed to bring to the surface are to appear in court on charges of illegal mining, and the remaining men refused to be brought to the surface.

"After the 11 illegal miners have been brought up, the rest heard that they would be arrested and said they did not want to come back up," ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak said.

The department said there has been improvement in combating illegal mining.

"We have seen some improvement since the formation of illegal mining forums. However, the matter will continue to receive the serious attention it deserves."

The department commended mine rescue services on the work they did in Benoni.

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