Rescue team volunteers in South Africa have confirmed that no more illegal miners are believed to be trapped underground at a gold mine, following a tragic incident that has seen the retrieval of at least 78 bodies and over 200 survivors since Monday. This rescue effort was initiated by a court order requiring the government to facilitate operations at the mine, marking one of the most devastating events to occur in the industry.
The authorities are ensuring that no individuals are left behind, with a planned deployment of a rescue cage into the mine on Thursday to conduct a final check. The standoff originated in November when the government instructed the police to apprehend any miners emerging from the mine, aiming to eradicate illegal mining activities.
A tense situation unfolded during a visit by police and mines ministers on Tuesday, as an enraged crowd blamed the government for the tragic events and demanded their departure. While more than 1,500 miners had already surfaced before the commencement of the rescue operation, some individuals chose to remain underground out of fear of arrest or coercion by controlling gangs.
A spokesperson for the South African Police Service emphasized the importance of verifying the volunteers’ statement that there were no more miners underground. The Mine Rescue Service is set to deploy advanced equipment to provide insights into the situation below ground, although the overall status of the operation remains uncertain at this stage.
South Africa has witnessed the abandonment of numerous mines over the past few decades due to economic challenges, leading to the takeover of these sites by criminal gangs who engage in illicit mineral trade. Stilfontein mine, located approximately 145km southwest of Johannesburg, has become a focal point of government efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
Rescue operations have involved the use of a cage to reach miners believed to be stranded at depths exceeding 2km. Many of the rescued individuals have endured months without adequate food and water, resulting in severe emaciation, and are now receiving necessary medical attention.
The miners are expected to face charges related to illegal mining, trespassing, and violation of immigration laws, particularly as a significant portion of them are undocumented migrants from neighboring countries. The Mines Minister has defended the stringent measures against these miners, labeling their actions as detrimental to the economy.
South Africa has historically relied heavily on foreign miners, with countries such as Lesotho and Mozambique contributing to the workforce until the industry experienced a decline. The country’s high unemployment rate, surpassing 30%, has left many former miners with limited alternative sources of income.
The illegal mining trade poses significant challenges in South Africa, with criminal activities flourishing in abandoned sites and posing risks to both individuals and the economy. For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com and follow their updates on social media platforms.
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