South African police have launched an investigation into a devastating mine collapse that has left 14 suspected illegal miners feared dead on Monday night. The accident occurred at a mine dump site in South Africa, where the miners, mostly undocumented foreign nationals, were trying to eke out a living by digging in abandoned shafts or dump sites.
14 Feared Dead in Devastating Mine Collapse
Regional police chief Lt-Gen Arthur Adams confirmed that the search for any miners who may still be trapped under the rubble continues. The site was being legally operated by a mining company, but it is unclear how the miners gained access.
The site was being used to mine platinum and other metals by a local company, according to Adams. He said that the "walls of the dumping site… caved in on them [the zama zamas]". The injured miners, mostly undocumented foreign nationals, are also facing charges of illegal mining and trespassing.
A Long-Standing Issue in South Africa
Illegal mining is a rife issue in South Africa, with many desperate people, particularly undocumented migrants, trying to find gold deposits in abandoned mine shafts. In January last year, 78 bodies were recovered from a disused shaft in Stilfontein, south-west of Johannesburg. The miners had been stuck there following a nationwide police operation to end illicit mining at disused sites.
The industry, once the backbone of the country's economy, is no longer profitable for mining multinationals to operate in many places. This has led to a magnet for desperate people, particularly undocumented migrants, who are willing to take risks to find gold deposits.
Injuries and Deaths Not Uncommon
Injuries and deaths of illegal miners are not uncommon in South Africa, especially at abandoned mine shafts. The police operation to end illicit mining at disused sites has been ongoing, but it seems that the problem persists.
Three of the injured miners have since been released from hospital and have been detained by police, according to Adams. The search for any miners who may still be trapped under the rubble continues, but the excavation operations have ceased.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into the mine collapse is ongoing, and it is unclear what will happen next. The police operation to end illicit mining at disused sites will likely continue, but it seems that the problem persists. The incident highlights the need for a more effective solution to address the issue of illegal mining in South Africa.
Source: Joy Online
