260 miners in South Africa freed from fatal gold mine!

260 miners in South Africa freed from fatal gold mine!

In South Africa, 260 miners from the gold mine were released Kloof. The rescue took place after more than 24 hours in which the workers were enclosed due to a defective elevator. This had been damaged in an accident, which made the evacuation difficult. In the first phase of the rescue operation, 79 miners have already been saved, while the remaining workers were brought to safety six hours later. The mining company Sibanye-Stillwater emphasized that the decision not to evacuate the emergency exits was made to avoid longer paths.

illegal mining activities in South Africa

While the rescue in the Goldmine Kloof was successful, there are reports on illegal mining workers who often live and work under dangerous conditions. In another rescue operation that has been going on for months, helpers fight against the time to save hundreds of illegal miners. Aid organizations, such as the Macua, blame the police for the death of hundreds of miners who starved, thirst or drowned in abandoned mines. Shocking images show stacked corpses, which underlines the urgency of the situation.

The miners are often illegally active in the mines and bear the name "Zama Zama", which as much as "those who try again and again". It is estimated that around 1,500 of these illegal gold diggers left mines last year, many out of fear of deportation or prison. In the past few months, however, South African authorities have increasingly acted against illegal mining practices by making the entrance and exits of the mines and even food supply was interrupted.

living conditions and challenges

Human rights representatives and observers like David van Wyk from the "Bench Marks Foundation" warn of the dangerous conditions under which Zama Zama are working. They dig in abandoned mines, often on their own and without any safety precautions. Due to the dangers of the quartz dust and the toxic gases that occur in the shaft systems, they not only risk life, but also their health. Access to these decommissioned mines is officially prohibited, but the gates are usually open, which makes illegal access easier.

An anonymous mountain man who has been working in such mines for six years reports to be discovered by the extreme working conditions and the constant fear of being discovered. Despite the danger, he stays in the mine to feed his family and secure his livelihood.

In the middle of this crisis-like situation, the responsible minister at a minister has gradually legalized the micro mining in order to improve the living conditions of Zama Zama and minimize the dangers. However, it remains unclear how quickly and effectively these measures can be implemented.