By Thapelo Molefe
Illicit miners and those who assist them could face fines of up to R100 million and prison sentences of up to 30 years under proposed amendments approved by Cabinet.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced the proposed penalties on Tuesday while briefing the media on four Bills forming part of the government’s 2026 legislative programme.
The General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill seeks to criminalise illicit mining and related activities and strengthen enforcement against illegal mining operations.
The Bill proposes increasing the maximum penalty for certain offences under the Diamonds Act from R250,000 to R100 million and the maximum prison sentence from 10 years to 30 years.
It also proposes penalties of up to R100 million and imprisonment of up to 30 years for offences under the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the Precious Metals Act.
The legislation would make it an offence to
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