The Government is proposing sweeping changes to close loopholes in mining law with harsher penalties for illegal operations. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill will make illicit mining and related activities criminal offences. The bill proposes fines of up to R100 million and jail terms of up to 30 years and amends the Diamonds Act, Precious Metals Act and other laws. This comes as 14 illegal miners died in a cave-in at a disused site in Nkaneng near Rustenburg. Police are still searching for possible survivours. We spoke to Benchmark Foundation lead researcher and activist, David Van Wyk.

<p>The Government is proposing sweeping changes to close loopholes in mining law with harsher penalties for illegal operations. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill will make illicit mining and related activities criminal offences. The bill proposes fines of up to R100 million and jail terms of up to 30 years and amends the Diamonds Act, Precious Metals Act and other laws. This comes as 14 illegal miners died in a cave-in at a disused site in Nkaneng near Rustenburg. Police are still searching for possible survivours. We spoke to Benchmark Foundation lead researcher and activist, David Van Wyk.</p>

News and Current Affairs show between 5 & 6 am on SAfm 104 to 107 anchored by Tsepiso Makwetla

First Take SA

A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.

<p>A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.</p>