The Delegation traveled to Barberton Gold Mine in Mpumalanga where Mr. Roy Deysel, Barberton Mines Security manager, made a presentation on the experiences of the company with illegal miners. Criminal miners have been operating at Barberton mine since 2000/2001. The mine has observed a large increase in the number of these criminals and their activities. These activities have not only become more brazen, organised and aggressive, but also more violent. The criminals are well armed with AK-47s, shotguns, 9mm pistols, R1 and R5 assault rifles. Employees, security guards and SAPS are now regularly threatened and assaulted. The activities of the illegal miners threaten the safety of employees underground. These criminals have been linked with illicit trafficking in firearms and proceeds derived from activities identified as sources of financing for terrorist activities. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime increasingly recognizes illicit trafficking in precious metals as one of the profit-generating activities of organised criminal groups. Gold and gold-bearing ore are now stolen everyday. Syndicates are equipping, arming and financing these criminal miners. Legitimate gold merchants in Johannesburg are ultimately involved by assisting with "gold laundering". Barberton Mine loses in excess of R3 million worth of gold per month, while increased security cost the company R1 million per month. The loss of tax revenue for government exceeds R1.1 million per month. The influx of illegal immigrants and criminals to the area led to an increase in violent activities - seven illegal miners were shot and killed recently by other gangs for their gold. The police were shot at and some injured during an underground raid and as a result are no longer providing assistance with underground operations. Nearly 700 criminal miners were arrested in the past 12 months, with 340 being successfully prosecuted while 355 cases are still pending.