Pilgrim’s Rest, a historic town in Mpumalanga known for its gold rush past and stunning scenery, is now grappling with a modern crisis: a surge in illegal mining.

This illicit activity is not only damaging the environment, but also jeopardising the community’s safety and the vital water supply of the Blyde River.

The increase in illegal mining activity poses a significant threat to the Blyde River’s water quality.

Illegal miners use harmful chemicals, like mercury and cyanide, to process gold ore. When they dig new holes and abandon old ones, these toxic substances can seep into the ground and contaminate the local streams and rivers, which eventually flow into the Blyde River.

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Concerned residents are worried about the long-term effects. They fear that as more illegal mining takes place, the chemical-laden runoff will pollute the Blyde River, a critical water source.

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the world’s largest canyons and a major tourist attraction, and its ecological health is paramount.

Beyond the environmental dangers, residents of Pilgrim’s Rest also feel unsafe due to the growing number of illegal miners, many of whom are undocumented.

The community fears that these individuals, when threatened, could resort to violence with little fear of punishment. This has created a sense of vulnerability and unease in the area.

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The increase in illegal mining activities has also raised concerns about local complicity.

Authorities suspect that some community members are housing these miners or providing them with transport, which inadvertently supports and sustains the illicit operations.

In response, the Mpumalanga police, under Operation Vala Mgodi, are actively working to curb the illegal mining activities. The police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that continuous arrests are being made, and some illegal miners have already been sentenced by the court.

However, the police face a difficult challenge. Despite their efforts, illegal miners continue to return in large numbers, often moving from other parts of the province.

Mdhluli stressed that the police will not give up until all the suspects are brought to justice. He urged community members to assist in this effort by not housing illegal miners and reporting any suspicious activity.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, or use the national Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the My SAPS App to report illegal mining.