Zama zama

Zama zamas are illegal artisanal miners in South Africa who occupy closed or operational mines to mine for minerals such as gold, iron ore, coal, and manganese. The term zama zama loosely translates to "take a chance" in isiZulu, and they use rudimentary tools and explosives for mining. Most of the zama zamas come from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This trade is not unique to South Africa. In Zimbabwe, these illegal artisanal miners are known as makorokoza (Chishona for panners) or magweja in IsiNdebele. In Ghana, another gold-rich country, unlicenced mining is called galamsey. The South African government has reacted by deporting zama zamas because of the violence associated with their activities in the settlements they occupy, which most of the time are near the mines.