· The proposed General Mining Laws Amendment Bill would change several laws and introduce a specific offence aimed at cracking down on illegal mining. The government wants tougher laws to tackle South Africa's illegal mining problem. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlinesThe proposed General Mining Laws Amendment Bill is being presented as an important new weapon against illegal mining operations. The mining bill, meanwhile, could become an important part of the government's response to illegal mining if it eventually becomes law. The debate around the mining changes is likely to focus not only on tougher punishment but also on who should be held responsible for illegal mining.