In South Africa, protesters organized by Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) have condemned the recent arrests of illegal miners operating in abandoned mines. They argue that the crackdown does not address the country's widespread poverty and unemployment. Instead, they advocate for the legalization of artisanal mining as a potential solution to these socio-economic challenges.
Operation Vala Umgodi, launched in December 2023, has resulted in the arrest of approximately 18,000 illegal miners nationwide. Over 7,700 of these arrests occurred in Stilfontein.