TMG Digital reports that Oxfam SA has called on the government to decriminalise informal mining‚ which it says is largely misunderstood.  The charitable organisation made the statement after 14 illegal miners were found dead this week in derelict mines in Benoni on Gauteng’s East Rand.  

The organisation wants the government to acknowledge the role of artisanal mining in macro-economic development‚ in household income‚ job creation and securing livelihoods for the majority of the poor and unemployed.  It said it was a myth that "all informal miners are non-nationals‚ illegal migrants‚ part of syndicates, or [mine] with the intention to become part of the wider syndicates and underground gangs.  Naturally, when under threat these unregulated miners respond by defending and arming themselves.  Lawlessness will mount if this issue and related issues are not addressed properly".

• Read this report in full at BusinessLive

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