South Africa’s chrome riches fuel a deadly underground economy
Summary
A wall of soil collapsed at a closed mining site near Rustenburg, South Africa, killing 14 miners, mostly undocumented migrants. This accident highlights a dangerous underground economy where illegal mining of chrome attracts vulnerable workers, criminal groups, and former employees in unsafe conditions.Key Facts
- The accident happened on August 13 near Nkaneng, an informal settlement outside Rustenburg in the North West province.
- Most victims were undocumented migrants who work illegally in abandoned or inactive mines.
- Rustenburg lies on the Bushveld Igneous Complex, rich in platinum-group metals and chrome.
- South Africa is the top producer and exporter of chrome worldwide, supplying mainly China’s stainless steel industry.
- Illegal mining thrives because chrome deposits near the surface are cheaper to extract than deep underground mining.
- Migrants are recruited and controlled by criminal groups that provide equipment, food, and sometimes explosives.
- Miners often work in dangerous, unstable mines and may be forced to continue working until they repay debts to these groups.
- The South African government is working to close dangerous mine shafts but has not yet solved the problem of illegal mining.
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