Miners have been trapped since Saturday. Picture: X/JHB EMS
Illegal miners trapped underground at the disused Rand Leases Gold Mine in Florida, Johannesburg, will have to wait a while longer. Dangerous conditions forced rescuers to step away on Monday.
On Saturday, screams drew the community and authorities to the shaft of the decommissioned mine. It is believed that at least two individuals were trapped, although it is suspected that many more may be stranded underground.
A rescue effort was initiated to bring the trapped miners back to the surface, but had to be paused due to hazardous conditions. There is no word on when – if at all – it will resume.
“The rescuers went down 70 metres where there is a wooden platform. There is a hole on the platform which leads them to makeshift stairs and it is a dangerous situation for the rescuers to advance further down,” said Robert Mulaudzi, EMS spokesperson.
Low oxygen levels, obstructions in the mine shaft and unstable structures are just some of the challenges rescuers face.
Billions of Rand have been lost through illegal mining in the city that sprung up from a gold rush in the 19th century. Today, the search for gold in abandoned mines is associated with gang violence, exploitation and environmental damage.
