Monograph 133: The Theft of Precious Metals from South African Mines and Refineries, by Ben Coetzee and Riana Horn
This study would not have been possible without the extensive cooperation and support of the:
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Chamber of Mines of South Africa
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South African Police Service (SAPS)
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Rand Refinery Limited and
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Mining companies in the gold and platinum group metals mining sectors
In particular, we would like to thank the heads of security of
each participating mining house; they went to great lengths to
facilitate the study during each phase. Their honest opinions and
unreserved sharing of sensitive information regarding their specific
operations required them to place considerable trust in the Institute
for Security Studies.
The Chamber of Mines requested that the data published in the report
should not identify any specific mine or mining house; this request was
honoured as far as possible, while keeping the ultimate aim of the
study in mind.
The SAPS merits special mention for its staff’s prompt participation
in the study. They provided strategic information from each branch and
gave full support from head office. The Forensic Science Laboratory
also compiled a detailed report on samples received for analysis.
It should be kept in mind that a study of this nature is rare, based,
as it is on sensitive information in a highly competitive industry.
Its success depended on the full participation of each role-player, and
all participants should be commended for their efforts in facilitating
the data-gathering and interview processes.
We are indebted to Dr Carina Coetzer for her time and participation
during this project. She accompanied us on site visits and shared her
expertise regarding the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) principles.
The Chamber of Mines of South Africa funded the project.
