Illegal mining is leaving a multimillion-rand trail of infrastructure damage across South Africa. Roads, bridges, electricity networks, and water facilities are increasingly bearing the financial and physical burden of an illicit underground economy that continues to destabilize local communities above ground. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Tseliso Maqubela, DDG- Mineral and Petroleum Regulation, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), David van Wyk - Mining Analyst, Sabelo Mnguni - Mining-affected Communities United in Action - MACUA) and Zethu Hlatshwayo - National Association of Artisanal miners NAAM Spokesperson.