Rescue operation for over 200 miners in South Africa: does the mine hold?

Rescue operation for over 200 miners in South Africa: does the mine hold?

In South Africa, more than 200 miners have been included in the Kloof-Goldmine for two days. The Sibanye Stillwater Mining Company reports that all affected workers are well and have been supplied with food. Al Jazeera describes the incident as a "shaft incident" in one of the deep mines is located 60 km west of Johannesburg and is known for their deep gold deposits.

The reports on the exact number of trapped are different. While news agencies speak of 260 miners, a company spokesman states that there are 289. The first rescue attempts have already started, but the decision was made that the workers remain at the Lower shaft station to avoid long footpaths until it is safe to get to the surface. The Boston Herald is the possible cause of the incident that a door of the Rockwinder-Skips was opened, which led to damage.

reactions of the workers' representatives

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which represents the miners, has made their concern about dealing with the situation. A NUM critic pointed out that the incident was not made public until it was reported by the media. This shows the need for transparent communication in relation to such safety -related events.

The fact that work in mines is associated with high risks is known. The story shows numerous accidents in mining, which often had devastating consequences. The incident in the Kloof-Mine could integrate into a worrying list of mining accidents that have already demanded many lives worldwide, including tragic events in China, Colombia and Ukraine. Wikipedia leads many such accidents that highlight the dangers and the challenges of the mining industry.

The ongoing rescue campaigns are persecuted by many and the family of the affected miners hopes for a sooner positive news. The Sibanye Stillwater Mining Company has initiated a first examination to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident and ensure that the safety of workers can be better guaranteed in the future.