JOHANNESBURG — On Friday, South Africa’s government announced the formation of a specialized team, including mine rescue experts, to develop a strategy for extracting illegal miners trapped beneath an abandoned gold mine.
This decision marked a shift in the government’s stance, especially when compared to earlier statements made this week, where officials declared they would not assist the miners located under the Stilfontein mine in North West province. In an effort to compel the miners to resurface and face legal consequences, the authorities have blocked off access to the mineshaft, previously utilized for delivering vital supplies such as food and water.
Dubbed “Close the Hole,” this operation aimed to forcefully remove miners from underground. While local intelligence suggested that up to 4,000 miners might still be lurking within the mine, law enforcement officials have expressed skepticism about these figures, estimating the actual number to be significantly lower, around 350 to 400.
During a visit to the mining site on Friday, police minister Senzo Mchunu led a governmental delegation that engaged with local communities and the families of the miners still underground. While Mchunu emphasized that the illegal activity was a criminal offense, he also acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing the miners’ safety.
“A swift resolution is essential, as it is hazardous for them to remain in such conditions for an extended duration,” Mchunu commented. According to briefings, the mine shaft descends over 2,500 meters (approximately 8,000 feet), and the escape strategy poses significant risks. Additionally, the authorities remain concerned about the possibility of armed miners in the area.
A collaborative team, comprising mine safety professionals, law enforcement, military personnel, and numerous government agencies, convened on Friday to devise a rescue operation. Immediate assessments by mine safety experts are anticipated as part of this plan.
Since the commencement of the government’s initiative, police reported recovering 369 firearms, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 5 million rand ($275,000) cash, and uncut diamonds valued at approximately 32 million rand ($1.75 million) from illegal mining operations.
More than 1,000 miners have emerged from various North West mines, with many suffering from malnutrition and other health issues after prolonged periods without basic necessities.
Some relatives of the illegal miners have urged the government to allocate resources and expert assistance for their retrieval, while community members have taken matters into their own hands by rescuing several miners earlier this week. Disturbingly, a decomposed body, believed to be that of a miner, was recovered on Thursday, with ongoing efforts to establish the victim’s identity and the cause of death.