Rescue efforts are underway to save hundreds of men trapped in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa. At least 400 men, including many who are believed to have died, remain stuck underground. The rescue operation began on Monday, with a professional mine rescue company deploying a large cage into the shaft near Stilfontein.
According to Mzukisi Jam, of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO), seven people have been rescued so far and at least four bodies have been retrieved. The group, Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), claims that up to 100 men may have died due to starvation or dehydration.
The mine has been the scene of a standoff between police and miners since November, when authorities attempted to force them out of the illegal operation. Police had removed ropes and pulley systems used by the miners to climb into and out of the mine, making it impossible for them to exit on their own.
MACUA’s Magnificent Mndebele explained that the shaft is 2km deep, making it impossible for people to climb up. The group has won a court case allowing food, water, and medicine to be sent down to the miners, but many remain uncertain about how many illegal miners are still trapped underground.
The rescue operation, which aims to bring all survivors out of the mine, is ongoing. Authorities have long tried to crack down on illegal mining gangs in South Africa, known as “zama zamas,” which have a reputation for being violent and part of criminal syndicates.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/14/operation-under-way-to-rescue-illegal-miners-trapped-in-south-african-gold-mine