Stilfontein trapped miners incident
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The Stilfontein Trapped Miners Incident is an ongoing humanitarian crisis involving thousands of illegal miners, known locally as Zama Zamas, who became trapped in disused mine shafts at the Stilfontein gold mine in North West Province, South Africa, in late 2024. The event has drawn significant attention due to the hazardous conditions underground, the miners’ precarious legal status, and broader concerns about the socio-economic factors driving illegal mining in South Africa.[1][2]
Background
[edit]The Stilfontein mine, once a major gold producer, ceased operations in 2013. Since its closure, it has been a site for illicit mining activity. Zama Zamas, often working under dangerous conditions, extract remaining gold deposits in abandoned shafts. These miners include undocumented foreign nationals from neighboring countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, alongside South African citizens.[3]
In November 2024, efforts by law enforcement to curtail illegal mining resulted in the blocking of key shaft exits, trapping miners underground. Reports suggested that many were unable to resurface, fearing arrest or retribution from armed underground gangs who control mining operations.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "South Africa's police minister promises to clamp down on illegal mining". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "Trapped below: South Africa's illegal mining crisis". The Africa Report.com.
- ^ "South Africa police vow to arrest illegal miners at Stilfontein". www.bbc.com.
- ^ Bartlett, Kate (2024-11-23). "South Africa's illegal gold miners are locked in an underground standoff with police". NPR.