Rescue operations underway for 300 mine workers trapped at Sibanye Stillwater

Sibanye Stillwater said that efforts were under way to rescue at least 300 mine workers trapped underground at one of its shafts at the Kloof gold mine in Westonaria, Gauteng.

The incident reportedly occurred in the mine’s Kloof 7 shaft when a shift of ore created a blockage that isolated the miners. Despite the distressing circumstances, the mine reported that the miners are safe and being provided with essential supplies.

Speaking to the SABC outside the mine, Duncan Luvuno from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said the incident happened on Thursday and the mine allegedly tried to cover it.

"We have been briefed, and we were told that the food is being sent underground and reaching the workers. Fortunately, there are no fatalities or injuries among our members," he said.

Regarding workers with chronic medical conditions, Luvuno said they were assured that doctors were available to attend all emergencies, and a batch of medication will be sent underground.

"But it's not satisfactory to be told that for the past 24 hours people were not eating and drinking anything. It's not adequate, but we said as NUM ours is to make sure that the workers are safe, that's our ultimate priority. The other issues will be sorted; we are not going to leave any stone unturned," he said.

One of the family members told the broadcaster that they haven't received any communication from the mine and were blocked from entering the premises.

"From what I hear, some people have been here since 5am, but I have been outside for over an hour, and I haven't seen anything. We just keep our hopes alive when we see buses coming in and we think maybe our family members have been rescued but we haven't seen anyone who has been rescued," he said.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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