A sudden gold rush has swept through an informal settlement near Springs, east of Johannesburg, after reports emerged of gold particles being discovered in a former cattle enclosure. The unexpected find has drawn dozens of residents armed with pickaxes and shovels, hoping to strike it rich amid deepening economic hardship.
The frenzy began when a local resident claimed to have uncovered several small gold nuggets while digging in the fenced-off cattle pen. Within days, crowds descended on the site, digging up large portions of land in search of more deposits. Springs, once a thriving gold mining hub, saw its formal mines shut down years ago due to the high cost of operating deep shafts.
Many of those participating in the informal mining activity say they have successfully found and sold small quantities of gold on the black market. With one gram of gold valued at around $100, the prospect offers significant earnings compared to South Africa’s monthly minimum wage of approximately $368.
However, South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources has condemned the activity, describing it as illegal and environmentally harmful. Authorities warned that unregulated excavation poses serious safety risks, especially as children have been seen joining adults at the site after school hours. Officials fear ground instability could lead to injuries or fatalities.
Dangerous chemicals such as mercury and sodium cyanide are often used in artisanal mining to extract gold, raising further health and environmental concerns.
Illegal mining, commonly associated with so-called “zama zamas,” has long been a challenge in South Africa, sometimes linked to organised crime. While there is no official confirmation of criminal syndicate involvement in Springs, the government recently announced plans to deploy additional security forces to combat illegal mining activities nationwide.
As the gold fever grips Springs, authorities face mounting pressure to balance law enforcement, community safety, and the economic desperation driving residents to dig for fortune in abandoned mining lands.
