RUSTENBURG – The North West Provincial Legislature has sounded the alarm over a surge in illegal mining operations and unauthorised chrome wash plants that are wreaking environmental havoc across the province, with lawmakers demanding immediate government intervention.

The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism has identified the Bojanala and Madibeng areas as hotspots for illegal activities that are polluting rivers, degrading land and operating with apparent impunity despite existing legislation.

Committee Chairperson Mpho Khunou described the situation as “extremely concerning” during engagements with provincial departments this week.

“Communities are suffering environmental damage, water pollution, and unsafe mining activities, while the province is not benefiting economically from these operations,” Khunou said on Monday.

Regulatory loopholes exploited

The committee has identified serious gaps in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) that are allegedly being exploited by operators seeking to avoid proper authorisation and oversight.

Department officials revealed that 70 chrome wash plants were inspected during the 2025/26 financial year, with 30 found to be operating without environmental authorisation. Despite this, only seven criminal cases have been opened with police, and enforcement actions rarely result in prosecutions or convictions.

ALSO READ: Illegal gold miners force hundreds from South African settlement

The committee expressed particular concern over water pollution, illegal discharge into rivers, air pollution and unsafe excavations that are damaging surrounding communities and municipal infrastructure.

Enforcement challenges mount

A critical shortage of enforcement personnel has emerged as a major obstacle to tackling the crisis. Only three compliance inspectors are currently deployed across the vast Bojanala District, leaving them unable to effectively monitor the growing number of illegal operations.

The situation is further complicated by poor coordination between key agencies, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, police, Home Affairs, the Department of Water and Sanitation, municipalities and traditional authorities.

Foreign national allegations

The committee has also raised concerns about allegations that many wash plant operations are run by undocumented foreign nationals, calling for intensified joint operations involving Home Affairs and the Department of Labour to address both illegal operations and labour compliance issues.

Additional problems identified include delays in Environmental Impact Assessment processes, poor-quality consultant submissions, widespread non-compliance with licence conditions, and allegations of corruption in licensing and inspection processes.

Comprehensive response demanded

The committee has demanded detailed information on fines issued, compliance notices served and clear timelines for bringing illegal operations into compliance or shutting them down.

ALSO READ: Court freezes R12.1 million in assets linked to illegal mining syndicate

Lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive audit of all mining and chrome wash plant activities in the province, establishment of a central database for approved mining rights and environmental authorisations, and implementation of a coordinated joint enforcement programme.

Khunou said the committee would push for stronger regulations, improved enforcement capacity and better inter-departmental coordination while continuing stakeholder engagements to ensure mining activities are conducted legally and responsibly.

The committee is expected to reconvene in the coming weeks to monitor progress on addressing the crisis that threatens both environmental sustainability and community safety across the North West province.

ALSO READ: Gold rush grips South African township