Africa after a shaft incident. Rescue efforts are underway to ensure the safe extraction of the miners, who are reportedly safe.">
South African Miners Trapped at Kloof Gold mine
Westonaria, South Africa – May 7, 2024 – More than 200 miners remain trapped in the Kloof gold mine, near Johannesburg, South Africa, as rescue operations continue for a second day following a “shaft incident”. The incident, unfolding at one of the world’s deepest mines, has prompted urgent concern and concerted efforts to extract all personnel.The initial reports, from the mine operator Sibanye-Stillwater, have indicated that the trapped miners are safe; authorities now face scrutiny over the handling of the Kloof gold mine situation, as the union expresses concerns.For further developments, please see below.
South African Miners Trapped Underground: Rescue Efforts Underway at Kloof Gold Mine
Rescue operations are in full swing in South Africa as more than 200 miners remain trapped at the Kloof gold mine for a second day. The incident, described by Sibanye-Stillwater as a shaft incident,
has prompted urgent efforts to ensure the safe return of all personnel.
The Situation Underground
- Location: Kloof gold mine,approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Johannesburg.
- Operator: sibanye-Stillwater, one of the world’s largest gold producers.
- Incident: A
shaft incident
has left miners stranded underground. - Status: All workers are reportedly safe and have been provided with food at a designated assembly point.
Did you know? The Witwatersrand Basin,where the Kloof mine is located,is one of the richest gold-producing regions in the world,accounting for a significant portion of global gold reserves. Mining operations here frequently enough extend to extreme depths,presenting unique challenges for safety and rescue efforts.
Company Statement and Response
Sibanye-Stillwater confirmed the incident on Thursday, assuring the public that the miners were secure. The company stated, It was decided that employees should remain at the sub-shaft station until it is safe to proceed to the surface.
The exact number of trapped workers has varied in initial reports, with news agencies citing 260 and a company spokesperson mentioning 289 miners.
Union Concerns
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), representing the workers at the Kloof mine, expressed serious concerns about the handling of the situation. NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu stated:
We are very concerned because the mine did not even make this incident public until we reported it to the media.
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM Spokesman
The union also noted that the miners had been trapped for over 24 hours, with Sibanye-Stillwater continually pushing back the estimated time for their retrieval.
Pro Tip: In emergency situations like this, clear and timely interaction is crucial. Mining companies should prioritize informing workers’ families and the public to maintain trust and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
shaft incident,but specific details have not been released.
Looking Ahead
as rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on the safe extraction of all miners. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with deep-level mining and the importance of robust safety protocols and emergency response plans.
