"In Gauteng, we are prioritising areas with shafts in the informal settlements because they pose an immediate danger," Water and Environmental Manager at the CGS Mosidi Makgae said.
Makgae was speaking during a presentation to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources in Pretoria.
A presentation by the Department of Mineral Resources revealed that illegal mining had a negative impact on the country's economy and resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the state and mines.
"According to a 2007 study, it was found that close to 10% or R5.6bn in gold production was stolen and smuggled out of the country annually," a report presented by David Msiza, a Chief Inspector from the Department of Mineral Resources, said.
Makgae said the council had appointed engineering service providers to supply innovative designs to try to stop illegal mining by sealing shafts.
"We have managed to close about 146 sites and out of the 146 sites, 11 of those have been reopened by illegal miners," she said.
Makgae said field workers, who were tasked with closing the shafts, had a risky job because they had physical encounters with the illegal miners.
"When we appoint contractors to close the shafts, it's a fight between the contractors and the illegal miners because they are saying 'this is our bread and butter and you taking that away from us'," she said.
Msiza alleged the illegal mining was carried out by national and international organised crime syndicates that are highly organised, dangerous, well financed and complex.
The Department of Mineral Resources established the Gauteng Stakeholder Forum, which has implemented a number of interventions to prevent illegal mining, such as strengthening access control and security measures at mines.
Msiza said open holes and shafts were continuously identified and sealed by the Department of Mineral Resources, CGS and mining companies.
Referring to the extent of crime, Msiza said in March, a mine manager was arrested after he was found to be in possession of 1.3kg of gold believed to be 80% pure and worth R500,000.
"In June, 20 Sibanye Gold employees were arrested at Driefontein Gold Plant for alleged multi-billion gold theft. It is believed that the employees are part of a syndicate," he said.
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