Stilfontein mine: Final step to get illegal miners to surface yet to get under way

STILFONTEIN - The final step to get hundreds of illegal miners from an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein to come to the surface is yet to get under way - more than a week after a rescue team was deployed to the area.  

The team, led by the local government, recently took over an ongoing operation to stage a fresh rescue mission meant to bring illegal miners to the surface more quickly.  

Part of the new plan includes the construction of an unmanned cage set to carry the zama zamas up the shaft.  

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On Monday, 14 people were arrested, including a 14-year-old boy.  

MEC for Community Safety in North West Wessels Morweng provided an update on the rescue mission on Monday.  

However, Morweng said he is yet to see the report compiled by mining experts on safety assessments.  

While the MEC said the matter must be resolved speedily, he also believes the team cannot afford any slip-ups.  

“The next stage is a very delicate stage. We need to conduct it with the delicacy it deserves so that we save lives, instead of losing more lives.”  

Morweng said the presence of hazardous gases, including methane, is among the major concerns.  

“Once we get the data, we will be able to get the time, because the number of people there will also tell us how the operation will be conducted and how many days it will take.”  

Between now and October, more than 1,200 illegal miners have resurfaced from the area.