No More Miners Trapped Underground in South Africa, Say Rescue Volunteers

Tue Oct 21 2025 06:34:40 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A successful operation sees dozens rescued as authorities confirm no illegal miners are left beneath the Stilfontein gold mine.

After an intense rescue effort, it's reported that no illegal miners remain trapped underground in South Africa's Stilfontein gold mine. With 78 bodies recovered and over 200 survivors, the situation highlights the dangers of illegal mining and the government's plans for stricter control.

No longer are miners believed to be trapped underground at the Stilfontein gold mine in South Africa, confirm volunteers aiding rescue operations. Following a court order mandating government action, at least 78 bodies have been retrieved, alongside more than 200 survivors since Monday, marking an urgent response to one of the mining industry's tragic escapades.

Authorities deployed a rescue cage on Thursday to officially ensure all miners had emerged, with police emphasizing the need to verify volunteer accounts. The stand-off originated last November as authorities announced plans to arrest any surfacing miners, aiming to tackle the illegal mining crisis that has escalated in the region.

Amidst the chaotic atmosphere during a recent visit by police and mines ministers, anger erupted from a crowd blaming governmental actions for the fatalities. Reports indicate over 1,500 miners surfaced before the initiation of rescue operations. However, numerous others remained underground, either trapped by fear of arrest or coerced by gangs controlling the mines.

The Mine Rescue Service is tasked with confirming the volunteers' claims and intends to deploy the rescue cage again in the morning, despite cautioning against prematurely declaring the operation complete. Inside these 'ruthless' gang-governed mines, many have been left without sustenance for months, with survivors now receiving medical attention for extreme malnourishment.

The ongoing crisis stems from a landscape where numerous mines have been abandoned for decades, allowing gangs to operate illicitly and profit from minerals sold on the black market. South Africa is currently grappling with high unemployment rates exceeding 30%, and many former miners assert they have scarce alternative employment opportunities, contributing to the surge in illegal mining activities.

In an expository comment, Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe characterized the situation as “a crime against the economy,” reaffirming the government's stance on controlling illegal mining amidst rising tensions. Critics and supporters alike remain watchful as the fate of these miners continues to unfold.