Dramatic spike in Green Chert theft
MBABANE – Will the theft of Green Chert ever end? – Not likely. In a recent report released by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), it has been revealed that the theft of Green Chert, a valuable mineral, is on the rise. Despite the efforts of border security forces to prevent illegal activities, criminals are said to have managed to find ways to bypass even the most sophisticated security measure to steal the mineral.
The army, in collaboration with members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has in the past been reported to arrest illegal miners, mainly from the neighbouring South Africa (SA) and Mozambique but this is said to have failed to deter the criminals.
Green Chert, a type of quartz, is well-known for its strength and durability. According to information sourced from the internet, it has a hardness rating of seven on the Mohs scale, with diamond, the hardest substance, being rated at 10. Due to its unique properties, green chert finds various applications in industries such as construction, jewellery making, and even as a gemstone.
One of the biggest markets is in China. Similar stones are also available in different colours including red and even a dark colour.
In Eswatini, the rock is situated in the Malolotja Nature Reserve, which is home to a diverse system of wildlife and also vegetation. This publication, has in the past quoted the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) as having expressed concern that the illegal activities were also affecting the wildlife habitat and that it was important to curb it before it worsened.
Unfortunately, the nature reserve, which is nestled between Pigg’s Peak and Mbabane has continued to become a spot for criminals, also known as ‘zama zamas’. Malolotja Nature Reserve, known for its natural beauty and ecological significance, has now become a hotspot for illegal activities, causing great concern among conservationists and authorities. These criminals trespass into the reserve to steal the valuable Green Chert, with the intention of crossing the border into neighbouring South Africa to sell it.
Illegal
Though the illegal miners are only usually paid about E20 to E30 per kilogramme (kg), the mineral is worth far more than this when sold in other countries such as China where it has a high market. Illegal miners carry about 30kg at a time, meaning that they normally generate as much as E600 once or more per day. This means two trips per day can make them as much as E1 200.
It was also previously reported by the Times of Eswatini that the criminals arrive in large groups per shift. One group works during daytime while the other arrives to work during night time. Not only do the criminals organise themselves in large groups, but they also carry weapons and when intercepted have previously used firearms to force off security guards.
The UEDF, responsible for border security, has been working diligently to prevent the illegal trade of Green Chert. However, the increasing sophistication of these criminals has posed a significant challenge. These unauthorised miners have managed to evade capture and exploit the porous borders, taking advantage of the remote and rugged terrain of the Malolotja Nature Reserve.
To ensure that the illegal activities of the miners are counteracted, the nature reserve has game rangers who work in collaboration with security guards hired by Green Chert Mine to prevent the criminal activities.
About a year ago, it was reported that security guards were engaged in exchange of gunfire with the illegal miners. In one of the incidences, one of the illegal miners was shot dead, while others were injured. It was also reported that during a previous shootout with the mine security guards, one of the illegal miners fell off a cliff but miraculously survived but sustained broken bones.
The nature reserve had also stressed their concern that the illegal mining activity disrupts the delicate balance of nature, endangering various plant and animal species that call the reserve home.
Criminals also monitor the movements of soldiers, security guards and rangers along the borderline where the rock is situated. The criminals are said to report with the communities known as KaNdeva and also Bulembu.
Unemployment
According to some residents of these communities, unemployment is said to have forced many youth to also participate in the illegal mining activity.
The operation to curb the alleged illegal theft of green chert is not just an operation on the Eswatini side of the borderline. The South African Defence Force also conducts arrests of the illegal miners as they enter that country. Noteworthy, just like UEDF, the South African soldiers are said to be tough on illegal miners entering the country from South Africa (SA).
Meanwhile, this publication recently reported that the Green Chert Mine was granted a licence to mine the mineral. During the year that ended last month, the mining company had been using a prospecting licence. This allowed the company to mine the rock for various purposes such as establishing the type of quality of the mineral and also sourcing a good market.
The mine had reported that this was the first phase of the mining operation and that they had hired only a few people. However, it was also reported that granting of a full mining licence will mean that more people would be employed. It was reported that the number of employees could go as high as 1 500.
Residents living around KaNdeva and Bulembu, where some deposits of the mineral are located have expressed excitement at the news stating that they hoped they would be given first preference in being hired. The residents, particularly of Bulembu stated that the town had become a ‘ghost town’ following the closure of Havelock Mine, which had employed thousands of people.
They said they were hopeful that with the mining of the Green Chert at a larger scale, this would mean that they will no longer have to worry about unemployment.