Sibanye-Stillwater downplays safety concerns after 260 mineworkers stuck underground

JOHANNESBURG - Mining company Sibanye-Stillwater has downplayed safety concerns after 260 mineworkers were stuck underground at its Kloof operations in the west of Johannesburg.

The mineworkers were trapped underground since Thursday night when the hoist system used to access parts of shaft 7 was damaged.

Late on Friday night, all of the workers were finally rescued by mine rescue experts.

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No injuries or fatalities were reported. 

In a statement released after the rescue operation was wound down, Sibanye-Stillwater refuted claims that the 260 mineworkers were in danger. 

The company said mine rescue and medical teams were deployed immediately, and measures were taken to ensure employees were safe and had access to food and water.

Sibanye said it is in consultation with the chief inspector of mines, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and trade unions on the matter. 

“All affected employees will also undergo thorough medical examinations, if required, while support has also been extended to employees’ families,” says Sibanye. 

Operations are only expected to resume once all safety and risk assessments have been concluded and the shaft is deemed safe.

The company said that safety remains their core priority, and that they will not resume operations until they are confident that all the necessary remedial actions have been implemented.”

Sibanye is digging for gold at a depth of 3km at the Kloof 7 shaft. 

The operation accounts for about 14% of the company’s gold output.