Zama-zamas depriving South Africa of R20bn in revenue each year – Sibanye

Illegal mining is by no means a victimless crime, as it costs South Africa an estimated R20-billion a year in lost mineral sales, taxes and royalties, diversified miner Sibanye protection services senior VP Nash Lutchman said last week. Sibanye estimates that it has lost between 3% and 4% of its gold production to illegal miners, which equates to over R700-million in lost earnings.