The collapse of the Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine in 2013, once a major producer west of Johannesburg, is illustrative of South Africa's broader mining crisis, where environmental, health, and social consequences are left unaddressed. After liquidation due to falling gold prices and labour unrest, the two final operators, DRDGOLD and Village Main Reef, each denied responsibility for rehabilitation, leaving behind toxic tailings, radioactive waste, and a lawless zone overrun by illegal miners. Around 11,000 residents now live amid contaminated air and water, frequent gunfire, and severe health risks, with only US$3 million allocated for cleanup – far below the estimated need. Acid mine drainage, dust storms carrying heavy metals, and radioactive soil in informal settlements like Tudor Shaft have created lasting public health threats, while government efforts to rehabilitate abandoned mines remain drastically underfunded and slow.