On 4 October 2024, Organised Labour announced a nationwide industrial action in response to the government's failure to address illegal mining activities effectively.
This declaration reflected their growing frustration over the detrimental impacts of illegal mining on both the environment and public health, as well as the government's inadequate response.
In the lead-up to this announcement, significant protests against illegal mining took place in September and October 2024.
The Coalition for the Protection of the Environment organised demonstrations in September to highlight the harmful effects of illegal mining on communities, urging the government to adopt stricter regulations.