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South Africa Plans Mine Rescue for Illegal Miners
South African authorities are forming a rescue plan for illegal miners trapped in a deep, disused gold mine after initially refusing to intervene.
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United States
Human Rights ViolationsAfricaSafetyIllegal MiningRescue OperationMine RescueGovernment Action
South African GovernmentPoliceArmy
Senzo Mchunu
- What is the government's overall objective concerning the trapped miners?
- While the government aims to rescue the trapped miners, it also intends to arrest them for illegal mining activities. The operation involves a collaboration between mine safety experts, police, the army, and various government departments.
- What has been recovered from illegal miners during the government's operation?
- Since the government's operation began, authorities have recovered numerous firearms, ammunition, cash, and uncut diamonds from illegal miners. Over 1,000 miners have already emerged from various mines, some in poor health.
- What are the significant challenges related to the depth and potential dangers of the mine?
- The disused Stilfontein gold mine in the North West province is 2,500 meters deep, posing significant challenges to the rescue operation. The team is also concerned about the possibility of the miners being armed.
- What is the estimated number of miners still underground, and what are the challenges in determining this?
- The number of miners trapped is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 350 to 400 to as high as 4,000. The government is prioritizing a safe rescue, while acknowledging the illegal activity of the miners.
- What action has the South African government taken regarding the illegal miners trapped in the disused gold mine?
- The South African government has assembled a team of mine rescue experts to develop a plan for rescuing illegal miners trapped in a disused gold mine. The operation is a shift from the government's earlier stance of not intervening.