Only problem is that underground looting and pillaging at its 3 Barberton mines are costing the company in excess of R3m per month. Geologists had initially estimated that the 3 mines had a lifespan of 30 years, but this may have to be revised down to less than 10 years if the theft continues. The Barberton mines are especially vulnerable to illegal mining as the gold-bearing reefs are visible to the naked eye and security costs have rocketed. In Oct'09 alone, security apprehended 588 illegal miners. Casper Strydom, Barberton's GM was recently quoted, "I am positive that in a few months we will get control of our mines back, but at huge cost." The rogue miners are typically armed with AK47s, R5s(!), 9mm pistols, 303s and Makarov rifles according to the town's chief prosecutor. Weekend Argus, Nov. 8, 2009.