JOHANNESBURG - Mining without the necessary permits is illegal, warns the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
This as dozens of people are digging up private property in Springs, hoping to strike gold.
The land, primarily used by farmers to keep livestock, became the site of a modern-day gold rush after rumours spread that gold lay beneath the area.
READ: Excitement or illusion? Expert questions Springs gold rush
The frenzy reportedly started when someone allegedly found seven grams of gold.
According to JMBullion.com, one gram of gold costs $158.26 (R2,532.63), meaning seven grams could fetch over R17,000.
Department spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko condemned the activity near the Gugulethu informal settlement, urging hopeful miners to engage with the department for lawful permits and to practise safe, environmentally responsible mining.
READ: IN PICS |Armed with spades and buckets, residents hunt for gold in springs
"Illegal miners endanger communities, threaten lives and harm the environment," she said.
Mining expert David van Wyk also warned that the excitement may be misplaced, noting that gold is rarely found on agricultural land, even near old mine dumps.
He highlighted safety risks, especially for children involved in bucket-and-spade digging.