Trapped in the Depths: Rescuing Illegal Gold Miners in South Africa
A Desperate Situation
Over 26 illegal gold miners have been rescued, and at least nine bodies recovered from an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, as rescue operations resumed to reach potentially dozens more people trapped underground.
The Rescue Efforts
A professional mine rescue company sent a large cage to retrieve men at the site, approximately 140km southwest of Johannesburg. Community leader Johannes Qankase reported that the rescued miners were "very sick" and "very dehydrated," with most taken to hospital and two believed to be in police custody.
The Abandoned Shaft
The operation follows a weeks-long saga at the abandoned shaft, where authorities have been accused of trying to force the miners to surface by throttling food and water supplies lowered to them by the surrounding community. The exact number of people in the shaft remains unclear, with the government stating that over 1,000 people involved in illegal mining activity in the area have "surfaced and been apprehended" to date.
Dire Conditions
Miners who have exited the shaft reported dire conditions underground, including acute hunger and dehydration. Some were arrested for being in South Africa without proper documentation. The locally known "zama zamas" – "those who try" in the Zulu language – illegal miners frustrate mining companies and are accused of criminality by residents.
Background
Thousands of illegal miners, many from other countries, operate in abandoned mine shafts across mineral-rich South Africa. In mid-November, claims surfaced that up to 4,000 people were underground, but police stated the figure was likely in the hundreds. Six bodies were brought up from the mine in early December, and one in November, with recent claims of over 100 corpses underground.
Conclusion
The rescue operation at the abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein is a stark reminder of the dire conditions faced by illegal gold miners in South Africa. As rescue efforts continue, the government must work to address the root causes of illegal mining and provide support to those affected by this dangerous and often deadly industry.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been rescued from the abandoned gold mine?
A: Over 26 people have been rescued.
Q: How many bodies have been recovered?
A: At least nine bodies have been recovered.
Q: What is the condition of the rescued miners?
A: They are "very sick" and "very dehydrated."
Q: What is the estimated number of people still trapped underground?
A: The exact number remains unclear.
Q: Why are the miners operating illegally?
A: Many are from other countries and do not have proper documentation to work in South Africa.