The Junior Mining Council (JMC) extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who lost their lives on 17 July 2026 after falling down an abandoned vertical mine shaft at the disused CRD Mine in Roodepoort.

According to media reports, the soldiers were pursuing suspected illegal miners during an anti-illegal mining operation under Operation PROSPER when the incident occurred. Following a complex recovery operation by Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, both bodies were recovered.

This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the serious dangers posed by South Africa's more than 6,100 derelict and ownerless (D&O) mines. These abandoned workings continue to present significant safety, environmental and security risks to communities, law enforcement personnel and emergency responders.

The JMC commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the SANDF for their unwavering commitment under Operation PROSPER to combat illegal mining. Their efforts to protect South Africa's mineral resources and uphold the rule of law are undertaken at considerable personal risk.

However, enforcement alone cannot address the legacy of abandoned mining infrastructure. The JMC calls on the Department of Mineral And Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Council for Geoscience (CGS) to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines through the sealing of hazardous shafts, mitigation of environmental degradation and the reduction of geohazards.

While annual rehabilitation programmes have made progress, reports by the Auditor-General have consistently highlighted challenges including funding constraints, inaccuracies in the derelict and ownerless mines database, and disruptions caused by illegal mining activities.

Addressing these systemic shortcomings is essential to improving public safety and reducing the risks associated with abandoned mine workings.

This unfortunate incident illuminates the urgent need for a coordinated national response that combines effective law enforcement with accelerated mine rehabilitation. Protecting lives must remain at the centre of South Africa's efforts to combat illegal mining.

The JMC honours the memory of the two SANDF members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. May they rest in peace.

Issued by the Junior Mining Council