79 Miners Rescued from South Africa’s Kloof Gold Mine After Hoist Failure

In a dramatic turn of events at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof gold mine, located 37 miles west of Johannesburg, 79 of the 260 miners trapped underground after a hoist system failure have been safely brought to the surface. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, left workers stranded in one of the world’s deepest gold mines, testing the resilience of both the miners and their families.

The company confirmed that the remaining 181 workers, gathered at an underground assembly point, have been provided with food and water as rescue operations continue. “Safety is our priority,” Sibanye stated, assuring that the hoisting process would resume once deemed secure. By late Friday, a spokesperson hinted the operation was nearing completion, with no injuries reported—a small miracle given the circumstances.

National Union of Mineworkers’ Health and Safety Chairperson Duncan Luvuno expressed relief at the lack of casualties but raised concerns about the miners’ well-being. “For 24 hours, some went without food or water,” he noted, highlighting the challenges faced by workers with chronic conditions. Meanwhile, families like Mamodise Mokone’s endured sleepless nights, anxiously awaiting news. “I just want my husband out alive,” she pleaded, echoing the fears of many.

The Kloof mine, a cornerstone of Sibanye’s operations, accounts for 14% of its gold production and operates at staggering depths of nearly two miles. South Africa’s mining industry, while rich in resources, is no stranger to such incidents, with illegal mining in abandoned shafts often exacerbating risks. Earlier this year, a crackdown on illegal miners left 78 dead, underscoring the dangers lurking beneath the surface.