Official statements from South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

Rescue Efforts at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine Retrieve 26 Survivors, 18 Bodies as 400 Remain Trapped

Jan 14, 2025, 04:44 AM

Rescue operations are underway at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, where at least 400 illegal miners have been trapped underground for months. The operation, which began on Monday, has so far resulted in the retrieval of 34 miners, including 26 survivors and 18 bodies in total. The government, backed by 12 million rand from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, is leading the effort, which is expected to last between 10 to 16 days. The mine, reaching depths of 2km, has been the scene of a dire situation, with reports indicating that over 100 miners may have died from starvation and dehydration since the authorities initiated a crackdown in November, cutting off food and water supplies to force the miners out. The standoff has been ongoing since the police first attempted to clear the mine, leading to a tense situation between the authorities, the miners, and local community members.