Gangs stealing cables miles underground torment SA platinum mines
Illegal mining has long been a problem in South Africa, though now thefts of equipment are becoming a major worry.
Source: moneyweb.co.za
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Illegal mining has long been a problem in South Africa, though now thefts of equipment are becoming a major worry.
South African miners are battling a growing threat miles underground in the world's deepest platinum shafts: Gangs stealing copper cables and disrupting operations.
The country’s platinum giants are struggling to contain the syndicates of trespassers known as “zama zamas” — a Zulu name that means “take a chance.”
Enticed by high copper prices, thieves are sneaking in and stripping metal from power cables.