Rescue teams testing equipment before operation to bring trapped Kloof miners to surface gets underway
Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that 260 miners have been trapped since Thursday.
A picture showing the Sibanye-Stillwater Masithembe mine shaft. Phill Magakoe / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Mining experts are currently working on site at the Sibanye-Stillwater Kloof operations in the west of Johannesburg where rescue teams are scrambling to bring trapped mineworkers back to the surface.
The company has confirmed that 260 miners have been trapped since Thursday.
No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
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Initial investigations show that the Kloof 7 subshaft rock winder skip door opened at the loading point on level 39, impacting the two lower levels 40 and 41.
After a detailed risk assessment and securing the safety of the workers underground, the company has opted to hold them there at this point.
A conveyor that will bring the workers back to the surface is currently being tested to ensure that it meets the safety standards before the first group is hauled up.
According to those closest to the shaft, Sibanye’s senior vice president is also on site, as well as the Gauteng principal inspector.
It may still be another two hours before the first group resurfaces.
Meanwhile, frustrated family and friends have started to gather outside, hoping to hear something about the well-being of their loved ones.