STILFONTEIN, South Africa — In a tragic development months after cuts to food and water supplies were implemented by South African authorities for illegal miners in an abandoned gold mine, rescue teams have so far recovered dozens of bodies along with malnourished survivors. The ongoing operations revealed that hundreds more miners may still be trapped underground, with many likely deceased and others too frail to escape on their own.
Since Monday, authorities reported at least 60 bodies and 92 survivors have been extracted from one of South Africa’s deepest mining sites, utilizing a red cage-like apparatus lowered thousands of feet below surface. The exact number of miners still believed to be stuck within the mine remains unknown, but police estimate it could be in the hundreds. Just last Friday, nine additional bodies were recovered in a community-led effort prior to the more extensive official rescue operation that kicked off Monday.
The Buffelsfontein Gold Mine has become a focal point of tension involving police, miners, and local residents, particularly following an operation that began in November aimed at driving miners out by denying them essential supplies. At that time, a government minister emphasized the intentions were aimed at “smoking them out,” asserting that assistance would not be provided because these individuals were considered “criminals.”
This method has drawn significant backlash from civic organizations and the community. The South African government faces increasing scrutiny regarding its handling of the dire circumstances unfolding at the mine, where numerous miners are believed to have perished underground due to starvation and dehydration, according to mining advocacy groups.
Officials removed the ropes used by the miners to access supplies, contending that those still underground can leave but are reluctant to do so, fearing arrest. These claims have been countered by civic groups who successfully lobbied for a court order mandating that food, water, and medical supplies be provided to the trapped miners. However, claims persist that the aid is inadequate, with many miners reportedly dying from malnutrition and unable to ascend due to the treacherous verticality of the shaft.
On Tuesday, community members anxiously awaited news of their loved ones near the Stilfontein mine, holding placards that denounced governmental responses. One sign lamented the tragic “Sacrifice at Stilfontein,” while some survivors were seen being escorted away in handcuffs by police.
A grassroots rescue initiative was mobilized by locals last Friday, prior to the official effort that began a few days later. Community leaders voiced concerns that a comprehensive rescue operation should have been organized much sooner. “We feel grateful that this operation is underway, but we truly believe that if it had been initiated earlier, there would not have been any fatalities,” remarked Mzukisi Jam, the regional chairperson for the South African National Civics Organization, a coalition of civic and advocacy groups.”,” he said.
Illegal mining is a prevalent issue in various parts of South Africa where mining companies cease operations, allowing informal miners to illegally search for leftover deposits. These miners sometimes spend extended periods underground to maximize profitability, bringing supplies while relying on those above ground to send down additional resources.
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visited the site, stating that since a broader crackdown on illegal mining began at the end of 2023, over 1,500 miners who have resurfaced from Buffelsfontein have been arrested, the majority identified as foreign nationals from surrounding countries. Meanwhile, police have maintained that those still trapped underground are not surfacing out of fear of arrest.
Activists contend that the only way for the miners to escape is to embark on a perilous journey to a different shaft, a trek that can take days. Many, however, are too weakened or ill to undertake such a hazardous endeavor. The Buffelsfontein mine extends 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) deep, comprising multiple shafts and complex networks of tunnels. A miners’ representative indicated that numerous groups are presently scattered throughout various sections of the mine.
“I last spoke to my brother in July when he said he was going underground,” shared Zinzi Tom, a sister of one of the remaining miners. “We’ve had no updates since then, but recently, a miner who managed to come up stated he had seen him about two weeks ago. He is apparently very sick and struggling to survive.”
In a notable turn of events, the Mining Affected Communities United in Action group published two cellphone videos allegedly recorded underground, showcasing numerous deceased miners wrapped in plastic. A spokesman for the group claimed that a minimum of 100 miners had perished. In one disturbing video, a man can be heard capturing footage of emaciated individuals on the damp mine floor, stating, “This is hunger. People are dying because of hunger,” while pleading for food and assistance.
Authorities have indicated that the rescue operation will last for 10 days before a reassessment is made. Survivors who have emerged will face arrest and prosecution for illegal mining activities following medical evaluations. Officials have reiterated their firm stance on the issue, with a South African Cabinet Minister asserting recently that assistance would not be provided to those they classify as criminals. “We will not offer help to criminals,” she stated firmly. “Our approach is to drive them out, not to assist them.”
