
Over 100 illegal miners have died in an abandoned South African gold mine, sparking a desperate rescue operation and raising questions about the country’s ongoing struggle with illicit mining activities.
At a Glance
- More than 100 illegal miners have reportedly died in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s North West province.
- The incident occurred at the Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein, where miners were trapped for several months.
- A rescue operation is underway, with at least 18 bodies recovered and 26 survivors rescued so far.
- The tragedy highlights the broader crisis of illegal mining in South Africa, which accounts for an estimated 10% of the country’s gold output.
Tragedy Unfolds in Abandoned Mine
A grim situation has emerged in South Africa’s North West province, where over 100 illegal miners have reportedly died after being trapped in a closed mine for several months. The Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein has become the center of a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of miners, mostly from neighboring countries, suffering catastrophic conditions due to a lack of food and water.
The South African government has initiated a mission to rescue potentially hundreds of people trapped in the illegal mine. Mines Rescue Services is conducting the operation, using a crane-winched cage to hoist miners to safety. However, the complex nature of the mine’s deep tunnels means the rescue effort could take up to 16 days.
At least 100 men who were mining illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa have died of suspected starvation and dehydration after being trapped deep underground for months while police tried to force them out.https://t.co/rAiz8eAnha
— KYW Newsradio – NOW ON 103.9 FM! (@KYWNewsradio) January 14, 2025
Operation Vala Umgodi and Its Consequences
The tragic events at Buffelsfontein mine are linked to Operation Vala Umgodi, a police initiative launched to combat illegal mining. As part of this operation, law enforcement authorities sealed mine entrances to force miners to the surface. However, this action inadvertently led to the current crisis, trapping hundreds of miners underground without adequate supplies.
“We don’t believe they are trapped, because other ones … have come out,” said Makhosonke Buthelezi, a government spokesperson. Despite this statement, the recovery of 18 bodies and the rescue of 26 survivors paint a different picture, highlighting the complexity and dangers associated with illicit mining operations.
The situation has been further complicated by the miners’ reluctance to surface due to fear of arrest. Reports indicate that police removed the miners’ climbing equipment, leaving them stranded in the deep shafts. A court ruling in December allowed food, water, and medicine to be sent to the trapped miners, but the extent of aid reaching those underground remains unclear.
At least 100 men who were mining illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa have died after being trapped deep underground for months while police tried to get them out, a group representing the miners said Monday. https://t.co/TxfF58Nf7Q
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 14, 2025
The Broader Crisis of Illegal Mining
This tragedy underscores a broader crisis that stretches across South Africa’s abandoned mine shafts. Illegal mining has increased significantly in recent years, with an estimated 30,000 illegal miners, known as “zama zamas,” producing about 10% of the country’s gold output. These miners often stay underground for extended periods, relying on surface support for supplies.
“The miners go back to the mine because they live in poverty,” explained Sabelo Mnguni, a representative for the miners. This statement highlights the complex socio-economic factors driving individuals to engage in such dangerous activities.
The illegal mining industry is often fraught with violence and armed disputes, straining communities and presenting a formidable challenge for authorities. The government’s crackdown on illegal mining has resulted in over 1,500 arrests, but the tragic events at Buffelsfontein mine demonstrate the ongoing nature of this crisis.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations into the incident unfold, the tragedy at Buffelsfontein mine serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this pervasive issue in South Africa.
Sources:
- South Africa launches operation at illegal gold mine amid fears many dead
- Operation under way to rescue trapped miners from South African gold mine
- At least 100 illegal miners have died while trapped in a South African mine for months, group says | AP News
- At Least 100 Illegal Miners Trapped in South African Mine Have Died: Report – Newsweek