A rescue operation to retrieve illegal gold miners stranded in deep underground shafts in South Africa’s illegal mining areas commenced on Monday, ending a months-long standoff that has claimed many lives.
Civil rights groups have reported that over 100 miners have died from starvation since October, when authorities sealed off the shafts at Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein, approximately 156 kilometers (97 miles) southwest of Johannesburg. This tragedy highlights the humanitarian crisis tied to illegal mining, where zama zamas operate under dire conditions.
Initially, the government took a hardline approach, refusing to assist those involved in illegal mining. Police officers observed as a nearby community used a makeshift rope-pulley system to bring people up from 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) underground. While some miners resurfaced and were arrested, they were later released.
The exact number of miners still trapped remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting that at least 1,000 remain underground, underscoring the ongoing challenges in addressing South Africa illegal mining issues.
“They have gambled with the lives of our brothers,” said Zinzi Tom, who has been at the forefront of legal efforts to compel the government to act. Her brother is among those trapped underground, further emphasizing the personal toll of South Africa’s illegal mining crisis.
A legal breakthrough was reached last week, as a settlement was agreed upon for the rescue operation. The government committed to facilitating the effort, with the Department of Mineral Resources and the Minerals Council funding the operation. The total cost is expected to be around 12 million rand ($628,000).
Illegal mining, often carried out by zama zamas, remains a widespread issue across South Africa, with approximately 6,000 abandoned mines scattered throughout the country. The government estimates that South Africa illegal mining costs the nation and its mining industry around 70 billion rand annually.
