More than 150 miners were pulled from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s northeastern Mpumalanga province.
The rescue efforts recovered three bodies on the first day of the rescue, while most of the miners claim to be underground mining for gold against their will. A police spokesmen said on Saturday the miners had been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
Days earlier, national police head Fannie Masemola confirmed that officers were investigating allegations of human trafficking and forced labour in these mining operations involving those who resurfaced.
On Friday night, the final miner emerged from the disused shaft, blowing a whistle as army officers received him. He appeared exhausted but showed visible relief after reaching the surface.
A police spokesperson announced that the rescue operation at the Mpumalanga mine in South Africa had concluded, but investigators would continue their work before shutting down the site.
“Various units of the South African Police Services, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Department of Health, the Department of Home Affairs, as well as two Private Security Companies, and Land Owners Plantation Companies are on board on this operation” police said in a statement.
Rescue teams continue efforts at another abandoned mine in Stilfontein, south-west of Johannesburg. Authorities plan to deploy additional equipment on Monday to help extract those still trapped underground. Masemola identified Mpumalanga as a hotspot for these activities.
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Illegal gold mining causes over $1B in lost revenue in South Africa per year
Illegal gold mining thrives in South Africa. Thousands actively search for gold deposits in abandoned mines that are no longer viable or safe. The South African government estimates that this activity causes more than USD$1 billion in annual revenue losses.
Authorities have intensified their efforts to crack down on these miners, known as “zama zamas.” Police now block off mine shafts to force miners out and make arrests.
Zama zamas work in approximately 6,000 disused mines, many of which feature interconnected tunnels or shafts. In the past, mining companies dug vertical tunnels deep underground to access gold. Today, unauthorised miners descend into these old, often unstable shafts, using basic tools like picks and buckets to extract gold ore.
These miners often remain underground for months, searching for gold and earning money. Contractors outside the mines assist by pulling miners to the surface for a fee. They also lower food, water, cigarettes, and other supplies to the miners, who pay inflated prices for these goods. This has created a thriving underground economy where necessities are sold at exorbitant rates.
Criminal syndicates control the illegal trade, frequently engaging in gang wars or attacking police. Most zama zamas are undocumented migrants from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique, with many reportedly exploited by these gangs.
Gang members reportedly hold miners at gunpoint in the mines and force them to dig for gold. They also compel the miners to pay for their food and water while underground.
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joseph@mugglehead.com
