A rescue operation is currently underway at a gold mine in South Africa, where over 200 miners have been trapped for a second day. Mining company Sibanye-Stillwater reported a “shaft incident” at the Kloof gold mine, one of its deepest, and confirmed that all workers are safe and have been provided with food as they await rescue. “It was decided that employees should remain at the sub-shaft station until it is safe to proceed to the surface,” the company said.
The exact number of trapped workers is unclear, with reports ranging from 260 to 289 miners. The National Union of Mineworkers, representing the workers at the Kloof mine, expressed concern over the delayed rescue efforts, stating that the miners have been trapped for over 24 hours. “We are very concerned because the mine did not even make this incident public until we reported it to the media,” said NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu.
The mine, located 60km west of Johannesburg, is among a few collecting from some of the world’s deepest gold deposits. Sibanye-Stillwater has prioritized the safety of the trapped miners, providing them with food and working to ensure their safe retrieval.
Rescue Operation Update
Rescuers have made significant progress in retrieving the trapped miners, with 79 people brought to the surface as of Friday afternoon, leaving over 100 still trapped. The rescue operation is ongoing, with the company prioritizing the safety of the miners. According to reports, the miners have been trapped for over 24 hours, sparking concerns over their well-being.
Challenges in Deep Mine Rescues
Rescue operations in deep mines can be challenging due to the harsh conditions and depth of the mine. Rescuers sent a structure down into South Africa’s deepest gold mine to bring out survivors among miners, but more than 100 died of starvation or dehydration in a similar incident. The community organized its rescue operation before the authorities began theirs, highlighting the need for swift action in such situations.
Government Response and Conflict
The South African government acknowledges the need for expert intervention in rescue operations. Plans are underway to recruit mine rescue specialists to help retrieve trapped miners safely. However, the government also faces a dilemma in balancing compassion for the trapped miners with the need to uphold laws against illegal mining. Over 1,000 miners have emerged from shafts amid pressure, with many reporting feeling weakened after weeks underground.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Rescue teams have stepped up efforts to pull out survivors and corpses of illegal miners trapped underground for two months. At least 78 bodies and 200 survivors have been pulled out since Monday after a court ordered the government to facilitate rescue operations at the gold mine. Police and mines ministers faced backlash from the crowd, who blamed the government for deaths.