Sibanye Stillwater is actively working to rescue nearly 300 miners trapped underground at its Kloof gold mine in South Africa following a shaft malfunction. All workers are safe, and efforts are ongoing to bring them to the surface.(ABC News)
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Incident
- Details of the Shaft Malfunction
- Rescue Operations and Safety Measures
- Union Response and Communication Concerns
- Historical Context of Mining Accidents in South Africa
- About Sibanye Stillwater
- Implications for the Mining Industry
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview of the Incident
On May 23, 2025, Sibanye Stillwater reported that approximately 289 workers were trapped underground at the Kloof gold mine’s Shaft 7, located about 60 kilometers west of Johannesburg, South Africa. The incident occurred around 10:00 PM local time the previous night. All miners have been accounted for and are safe, gathered at a designated underground assembly point. (Reuters)
Details of the Shaft Malfunction
An initial investigation revealed that a sub-shaft rock winder skip door opened at the loading point, causing damage to the mineshaft. This malfunction necessitated a halt in operations and prompted immediate safety assessments. (AP News, Reuters)
Rescue Operations and Safety Measures
Sibanye Stillwater has been providing the trapped workers with food and is conducting thorough safety and shaft examinations to ensure a secure rescue process. The company aims to bring the miners to the surface by midday. (Reuters)
Union Response and Communication Concerns
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) expressed frustration over the company’s delayed public disclosure and inconsistent communication regarding the rescue timeline. NUM spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu stated, “We are very concerned because the mine did not even make this incident public until we reported it to the media.” (AP News)
Historical Context of Mining Accidents in South Africa
Mining accidents are relatively frequent in South Africa, known for its deep and aging gold mines. Earlier this year, a separate tragedy claimed 78 lives at an illegal mining site. In 2018, a power outage at the Beatrix gold mine trapped nearly 1,000 miners underground, all of whom were eventually rescued. (Reuters, Wikipedia)
About Sibanye Stillwater
Sibanye Stillwater is a leading South African mining company specializing in precious metals. The Kloof mine, where the incident occurred, is one of Sibanye’s most significant operations, contributing 14% of its gold output. The company employs over 84,000 people and has operations in both South Africa and the United States. (Jacksonville Journal-Courier, Reuters, Wikipedia)
Implications for the Mining Industry
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety within South Africa’s mining sector. It highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and transparent communication between mining companies and labor unions to prevent and effectively manage such emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What caused the miners to be trapped?
A: A malfunction occurred when a sub-shaft rock winder skip door opened at the loading point, causing damage to the mineshaft. (AP News)
Q: Are the trapped miners safe?
A: Yes, all miners have been accounted for and are safe, gathered at a designated underground assembly point. (Reuters)
Q: When are the miners expected to be rescued?
A: Sibanye Stillwater aims to bring the miners to the surface by midday. (AP News)
Q: How is the company ensuring the safety of the rescue operation?
A: The company is conducting thorough safety and shaft examinations before proceeding with the rescue to ensure a secure process. (ABC News)
Q: Has the company faced similar incidents in the past?
A: Yes, in 2018, a power outage at the Beatrix gold mine trapped nearly 1,000 miners underground, all of whom were eventually rescued. (Wikipedia)