A SAPS operation was conducted after reports of another illegal mining operation in the Heidelberg area.
This followed the arrest of 97 illegal miners on July 18.
Various SAPS members as well as other law enforcement agencies conducted a sting operation on an open piece of land between Heidelberg and Nigel.
It is believed the illegal miners place spotters along the road to notify the miners when there is danger or when law enforcement approaches.
When the SAPS arrived at the mining site, the illegal miners had already disappeared, but there were water points with running water and areas that had been excavated.
It is evident the illegal miners have been busy in the area for an extended time.
Some of the items found at the site included homemade equipment to separate the stones mined in search of precious metals, sieves and containers.
There were also generators, solar panels, clothing, mattresses and blankets strewn all over the place
The SAPS combed the area in search of the miners but they evaded capture.
The following day, Heidelberg SAPS with various other law enforcement departments went back to the premises and seven illegal miners were apprehended.
The suspects will appear in the Heidelberg Magistrates Court soon.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information about illegal activities to contact their nearest police station.
