As questions mount over who should ultimately take responsibility for combating illegal mining in South Africa, industry leaders, security specialists, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and government representatives will convene next month to tackle what has become one of the country's most complex organised crime challenges.

Recent public statements by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe have reignited debate around accountability, with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) maintaining that its mandate extends only to legal mining activities and not to illegal mining operations. At the same time, law enforcement agencies continue to make arrests linked to illegal mining, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of criminal networks operating within the sector.

The reality facing South Africa's mining industry is stark: no single organisation can solve the illegal mining crisis alone.

This challenge 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 stakeholders from across the public and private sectors will gather to develop practical strategies aimed at protecting mines, critical infrastructure, communities, and the country's mineral resources.

"The scale of the challenge has simply become too large for any one stakeholder to address independently," says conference organiser Ankia Roux.

"Mining companies, law enforcement agencies, border authorities, prosecutors, intelligence structures, and communities all have a role to play. The growing threat of organised crime requires a coordinated and collaborative response."

The conference comes at a time when illegal mining syndicates are increasingly linked to broader criminal activities, including illicit mineral trading, border smuggling, infrastructure sabotage, corruption, and violent crime.

One of the key themes emerging throughout the programme is the growing recognition that threats often originate from within organisations themselves. Addressing this concern, 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 criminal networks.

The importance of collaboration between stakeholders will also feature prominently. Thys de Beer, Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager: SA Operations at Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, will examine how mining companies, security providers, and government agencies can improve real-time cooperation to respond more effectively to emerging threats.

Community unrest, which continues to impact mining operations across the country, 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.

Beyond mine gates, the battle against illegal mining extends to South Africa's borders. Christo Bezuidenhout, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Border Management Authority, will share insights into strengthening customs and border controls to disrupt illicit mineral trafficking and improve the identification of illegally traded commodities.

The role of public-private partnerships in combating organised crime 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 deteriorating security environment affecting both mining operations and critical infrastructure.

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 questions surrounding accountability,  and the closure of abandoned shafts.

Recognising that successful prosecution remains one of the strongest deterrents against organised crime, Advocate Willemien Vos, Deputy Director: 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 is transformed into court-ready forensic evidence to expose illicit mining networks and disrupt organised criminal enterprises.

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 related organised crime.

In addition to the conference programme, delegates will 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 illegal mining continues to evolve into a national security, economic, and social challenge, the conference aims to provide more than discussion. It seeks to create actionable partnerships and practical solutions that can strengthen the industry's collective response to one of South Africa's most persistent threats.

For more information or to secure your seat, visit www.pinpointstewards.co.za or contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za.