-
[File Image]: Miners work deep underground at Sibanye Gold’s Masimthembe shaft in Westonaria, South Africa, April 3, 2017.
At least seven mineworkers have resurfaced from underground at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof Gold Mine in Westonaria, West of Johannesburg on Friday afternoon.
Approximately 300 miners had been underground since yesterday, after an equipment failure caused debris to damage the main shaft, cutting off their exit route.
Rescue teams on site have been able to retrieve some workers and operations continue.
National Union of Mineworkers’ representative Duncan Luvuno, says, “We’re from inside now, as we have said before in our interview. But already now, seven people have been taken up from the ground. They are receiving counselling EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), (and) from there they will be getting food. Then will take it from there, for all of them to be fully out, all of them. Then we’ll take it from there on what needs to happen from there.”
Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe says no reports of injuries or fatalities have been reported at the Kloof 7 Sibanye Stillwater mine shaft in Westonaria, west of Johannesburg.
In a statement, Sibanye Stillwater says the rescue efforts are underway.
Mantashe says, “That happens sometimes that you go into the lift and sometimes it stops halfway. But technically, they will connect that. There is no reported fatality up to now. We’re hoping there will be no fatalities because our commitment to n0 harm is unquestionable.”
Sibanye Stillwater | Some resurfaced miners speak out:
