By GhanaNewsPage South Africa Rescues Dozens of Illegal Miners and Recovers Bodies from Abandoned Gold Mine
Efforts to rescue illegal miners trapped in an abandoned gold mine near Stilfontein, approximately 140 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Johannesburg, have intensified as the operation entered its second day. Authorities reported that over two dozen miners have been rescued, and 15 bodies have been recovered, bringing the death toll to 24 since operations to clear the mine began in August 2024.
Illegal miners rescued from an abandoned gold mine sit on the floor. By Christian Velcich (AFP)
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Authorities have been working tirelessly to save miners trapped underground, some of whom are believed to have been stuck for months. A professional mine rescue team deployed a Rescue Winder—a specialized device—to reach the miners through a rugged hole in the ground.
Community leader Johannes Qankase described the miners’ dire condition, stating, “They are very sick, dehydrated, and on the brink of death.” Many of the rescued miners were immediately hospitalized, while two individuals were reportedly placed in police custody.
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The Scope of the Crisis
- 1,500 people have voluntarily left the mine since August, while hundreds are believed to still be underground.
- Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe confirmed that six bodies were recovered on Tuesday, adding to the nine recovered earlier.
- Videos and reports from miners’ rights groups have revealed gruesome scenes, including several corpses wrapped in plastic.
There are concerns that over 100 bodies may remain trapped underground, though police have yet to confirm exact numbers.
Illegal Mining in South Africa
The mine near Stilfontein is just one example of the thousands of abandoned shafts across South Africa, where illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas” (Zulu for “those who try”), risk their lives to extract gold.
- South Africa is home to some of the deepest gold mines in the world, extending kilometers underground, making these sites extremely dangerous.
- Many zama zamas are migrants from neighboring countries, often working without proper documentation and under harsh, life-threatening conditions.
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Challenges and Controversies
The situation has been fraught with controversy:
- Community Support and Food Restrictions: Authorities have been accused of attempting to force miners to surface by cutting off food and water supplies provided by the surrounding community. A court ruling in November ordered police to stop restricting supplies.
- Claims of Large Numbers Underground: Initial reports suggested up to 4,000 miners were underground in November, though police believe the actual number is likely in the hundreds.
Miners who have emerged from the shaft report acute hunger, dehydration, and dangerous living conditions. Many have been arrested for lacking proper documentation to reside or work in South Africa.
Government Involvement and Next Steps
South African government officials visited the site on Tuesday to oversee recovery efforts and address the crisis. The recovery operation continues, with authorities racing against time to bring those still underground to safety.
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Impact of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining poses significant challenges for South Africa, including:
- Economic Losses: Mining companies face theft of resources and damage to infrastructure.
- Community Safety: Residents often accuse zama zamas of criminal activities, exacerbating tensions in mining areas.
- Worker Exploitation: Many zama zamas operate under dangerous, exploitative conditions with no legal protections.
The Stilfontein mine tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal mining and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Addressing the root causes of illegal mining, such as poverty and unemployment, while ensuring safe and legal mining practices, is essential to prevent further loss of life.
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#SouthAfrica
Tags:
- South Africa Illegal Mining Crisis
- Zama Zamas Stilfontein Mine
- Rescue Efforts Abandoned Mines South Africa
- Gold Mining Tragedy in Stilfontein
- Illegal Miners Recovery South Africa
