36 Bodies Recovered, 82 Survivors Rescued from South African Gold Mine
Hundreds still trapped underground as rescue efforts continue amid crackdown on illegal mining.
Rescue teams in South Africa have recovered 36 bodies and pulled 82 survivors from a gold mine in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg, as part of an ongoing operation, police confirmed. However, the rescued miners now face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.
Rescue Operation Unfolds
Authorities began extracting bodies and survivors on Monday, initially recovering nine bodies. By Tuesday, that number had risen to 27 more, according to police Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The complex operation, which involves lowering a metal cage into a mine shaft more than two kilometers (1.2 miles) underground, is expected to continue for several more days.
A miners' rights group estimates that hundreds remain underground, with many trapped and in dire conditions. Footage released by the group on Monday depicted lifeless bodies and severely weakened survivors still within the mine.
Government Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The South African government has been targeting illegal mining operations under a campaign called Vala Umgodi ("Close the Hole" in isiZulu). Police had laid siege to the Stilfontein mine since August, cutting off food and water supplies in an effort to force miners to surrender.
Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe defended the harsh measures, describing illegal mining as "a war on the economy." He estimated the illicit trade in precious metals to be worth approximately 60 billion rand ($3.17 billion) in 2023.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni took an even stronger stance in November, stating: "We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out."
However, human rights organizations and local community members have criticized the government’s approach, arguing that it prioritizes criminal prosecution over humanitarian aid.
Legal Fallout for Rescued Miners
The 82 survivors rescued so far now face charges of illegal mining, trespassing, and violations of South Africa’s immigration laws. Police confirmed that two of them will also be charged with possession of gold.
While authorities initially refused to send supplies to those trapped underground, a court ruling in December allowed volunteers to deliver aid. Last week, another legal order mandated an official rescue operation, prompting the government to begin extractions on Monday.
With many miners still trapped, the rescue efforts remain ongoing. Authorities have pledged to provide daily updates as they work to bring the remaining individuals to the surface.