South African Mine Pirates Nab Millions Of Dollars In Gold

South African mine pirates nab millions of dollars in gold


JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Nearly 300 million dollars worth of gold is stolen every year by underground pirates from mines in South Africa, according to the findings of a new report.


The Institute of Security Studies warned that the scale of the thefts could force the closure of a number of less profitable mines and a subsequent loss in jobs in an industry which is regarded as a cornerstone of the economy.

"Gold theft has occurred for many years, we are constantly vigilant," said spokesman Andrew Davidson of mining giant Goldfields, which has a special unit which works undercover to flush out gold thieves.

The Institute of Security Studies investigation revealed that an estimated two billion rand (280 million dollars) worth of gold is pillaged each year either by one-man bands and by precious metal smuggling syndicates.

The report found that 41 percent of gold thieves were mine employees and 56 percent were unemployed.

"As long as poverty exists there will be criminals trying to obtain precious metals," said the study.

The country has also seen a rise in illegal underground mining where illegal miners stay underground for long periods of time, obtaining food from legitimate miners.

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