As South Africa seeks to attract greater local and international investment into its mining sector, industry leaders, government officials, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, security specialists, and mining executives will gather next month to address one of the country’s most pressing challenges: illegal mining and its impact on economic growth, security, and investor confidence.
The question of accountability has recently come under renewed scrutiny following public statements by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe regarding the responsibility for addressing illegal mining. While the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) maintains that its mandate is focused on regulating legal mining activities, the growing scale and sophistication of illegal mining networks continue to place significant pressure on both the mining industry and the broader economy.
What is increasingly clear is that illegal mining is no longer simply a mining issue. It has evolved into a national economic, security, and investment challenge that threatens critical infrastructure, community stability, lawful mineral production, and South Africa’s reputation as a destination for mining investment.
These issues will take centre stage at the 5th Annual Mine Security Conference, taking place on 1–2 July 2026 at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, where key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors will collaborate on practical solutions to strengthen mine security, disrupt organised criminal networks, and create a safer, more attractive environment for investment.
“The future competitiveness of South Africa’s mining sector depends on our ability to protect operations, secure mineral resources, and create certainty for investors,” says conference organiser Ankia Roux.
“Investors are looking for jurisdictions that demonstrate stability, effective governance, and a commitment to protecting strategic assets. Addressing illegal mining is therefore not only a security priority but also an economic imperative. No single stakeholder can solve this challenge alone. Success requires coordinated action between industry, government, law enforcement, border authorities, prosecutors, intelligence structures, and communities.”
South Africa remains one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries, with significant opportunities across critical minerals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and emerging energy transition commodities. However, illegal mining activities continue to undermine legitimate operators through theft, infrastructure damage, safety risks, environmental degradation, illicit mineral trading, and organised criminal activity.
Industry experts warn that tackling these challenges effectively will play a critical role in restoring investor confidence, supporting sustainable mining growth, safeguarding jobs, and unlocking future investment opportunities.
For more information or to secure your seat, register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za or contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za.
Strengthening security, governance and operational resilience
A key theme emerging from this year’s programme is the growing recognition that security risks often originate from within organisations themselves. Addressing this challenge, Dr Mandla Zembe, General Manager (Head of Security) at Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals, will present on “Identifying Insider Threats in Mining Operations”, exploring how internal vulnerabilities can be exploited by organised criminal networks and what mining companies can do to mitigate these risks.
The importance of collaboration between stakeholders will be examined by Thys de Beer, Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager: SA Operations at Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, who will discuss how mining companies, security providers, and government agencies can improve real-time cooperation and intelligence-sharing to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Community unrest and its impact on operational continuity will be addressed by Max Baloyi, Group Head: Protection Services at Foskor, while Chandré Klaase, Section Manager: Protection Services at Anglo American, will discuss balancing risk management and regulatory compliance to protect people, infrastructure, and mineral assets.
Protecting South Africa’s borders and mineral resources
The fight against illegal mining extends far beyond mine gates. Christo Bezuidenhout, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Border Management Authority, will share insights into strengthening customs and border controls to disrupt illicit mineral trafficking, combat smuggling networks, and improve the identification of illegally traded commodities.
The role of public-private partnerships in protecting critical infrastructure and supporting economic stability will be explored by Tembela Kulu, General Manager: Group Investigations and Security at Eskom. Her presentation will focus on strengthening collaboration between government, private industry, and security structures to counter the increasingly complex security threats affecting mining operations and strategic national assets.
The often-contentious issue of abandoned and ownerless mines—frequently exploited by illegal mining syndicates—will be unpacked by Fred Arendse, President of the Junior Mining Council, who will address accountability, rehabilitation responsibilities, and sustainable approaches to managing abandoned shafts.
From intelligence to prosecution
Recognising that successful prosecution remains one of the strongest deterrents against organised crime, Advocate Willemien Vos, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions within the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component, will provide practical guidance on building prosecutable cases, compiling evidence, and supporting successful criminal prosecutions.
Legal perspectives will be provided by Warren Beech, CEO of Beech Veltman Inc., who will present case studies and legal precedents examining the rights of mining companies to protect their operations against illegal mining activities and security breaches.
Adding a financial crime dimension to the programme, Pieter Alberts, Executive Manager: Shared Forensic Capability at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), will demonstrate how financial intelligence can be transformed into court-ready evidence to expose illicit mining networks and disrupt organised criminal enterprises.
The role of intelligence-led security will further be explored by Dr Lincoln Cave, Advisory Board Member and Extraordinary Researcher at the Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy (CGSS), who will discuss advanced intelligence-gathering techniques to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Joe van der Walt, CEO of Focus Group, will provide expert insight into understanding the evolving capabilities of organised criminal adversaries and how security strategies must adapt accordingly.
Building a secure environment for investment
Two interactive panel discussions will further explore intelligence gathering, information sharing, and the implementation of a whole-of-government approach to combating illegal mining and organised crime.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage with leading security technology providers and service specialists. Exhibitors including Quatro, UDS (UAV & Drone Solutions), Safer City Group, and Blue Hawk Tactical will showcase innovations ranging from drone surveillance and integrated security ecosystems to armoured vehicles, tactical response capabilities, and advanced risk management technologies.
As South Africa works to unlock the full potential of its mineral wealth, stakeholders agree that improving security, strengthening governance, and disrupting illegal mining networks are essential steps toward creating a more stable and attractive investment environment.
The 5th Annual Mine Security Conference aims to move beyond discussion by fostering actionable partnerships, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration between government and industry. Ultimately, securing South Africa’s mining sector is not only about protecting assets—it is about protecting jobs, driving economic growth, supporting communities, and ensuring the country remains a globally competitive destination for mining investment.
For more information or to secure your seat, register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za or contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za
