How DRDGold plans to stop theft at mines

South Africa's gold industry is reeling from a surge in violent attacks by armed robbers targeting the country's mines. The recent attack on DRDGold's Ergo plant resulted in the tragic death of a chief security officer and the theft of an estimated 17kg of gold. Niël Pretorius, the CEO of DRDGold, shed light on the escalating crisis during a CNBC Africa interview. Pretorius outlined the evolving nature of the crimes, attributing the shift to organized cartels targeting gold plants due to increased security measures at mining sites to deter illegal mining activities. He highlighted the sophisticated tactics employed by these armed gangs, enabling them to breach plant security with ease, causing prolonged chaos and posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies. The CEO emphasized the need for a strategic and collaborative approach between the industry and the police to combat the ongoing threat. However, he underscored the critical importance of intelligence gathering to dismantle the criminal networks fueling the illicit gold trade. Despite industry efforts to bolster security measures, Pretorius acknowledged the limitations in deterring such brazen attacks and stressed the necessity of enhancing tactical capabilities to safeguard mining operations from future incursions. The CEO also addressed concerns regarding the impact of these security risks on investment in South Africa's gold sector. While some corporations opt to divest from the country, others remain committed to standing up against criminal elements and safeguarding their operations. Pretorius emphasized the collective responsibility shared by both the industry and the government in combating this national security challenge. He highlighted the need for a unified front to reclaim sovereignty and protect vital economic assets from external threats. Regarding the upcoming budget announcement, the CEO expressed cautious optimism, citing ideological constraints that hinder effective policymaking. Pretorius underscored the importance of political will in navigating the complex landscape of policy implementation, noting the challenges posed by entrenched ideologies. Despite these hurdles, he remained hopeful for positive outcomes and urged for a concerted effort to address the underlying issues contributing to the security crisis in South Africa's mining sector.