a) Illegal mining is regarded as a serious crime and cannot be equated to Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining. In 2021 the Department introduced the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Strategy as a policy intervention to drive the development of Artisanal and Small-Scale miners and encourage the participation of Historically Disadvantaged South Africans.
b) Any person who wishes to participate in mining / prospecting activities is allowed to apply in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and the above policy guideline.