(MENAFN) Authorities in South Africa have detained approximately 1,000 individuals found to be illegally mining gold and residing in the country without documentation, according to reports. The arrests were made during a large-scale enforcement campaign in the northeastern region of the country.

The week-long operation took place in Mpumalanga province and focused on illegal mining activities near Barberton, a village located near the borders of Eswatini and Mozambique. According to statements from local law enforcement, the total number of arrests may increase as more illegal miners remain trapped below ground.

"As they are coming out, they have been taken," said the spokesperson.

The crackdown began on a Monday and was centered on an area near the Sheba Mine. Reports say that the mine's management previously faced intense criticism after laying off employees due to financial strain and the threat of closure. However, it has since emerged that illegal operations beneath the surface had been sustaining a hidden economy.

"Earlier this year there was outcry from the community and employees when Barberton Mines retrenched workers as the mine was unprofitable and facing closure. Now we know the reason why!
Food and supplies have been getting to a thriving illegal mining world underground, which had to be stopped, hence this intervention with the police and mine security. This message needs to be spread and illegal mining will not be tolerated," it added.

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