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246 rescued, 78 bodies recovered in South African illegal mining tragedy

By IGIHE
On 16 January 2025 at 08:31

South African authorities have rescued 246 illegal miners and recovered 78 bodies during a three-day operation at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, North West Province.

The operation to rescue miners trapped underground, which began on Monday, was confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement issued Wednesday evening.

All 246 survivors were arrested after being brought to the surface.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told Xinhua that the operation might not yet be over, despite volunteers suggesting there are no more survivors or bodies underground.

The Mine Rescue Service plans to send equipment underground Thursday to confirm the situation. Updates from SAPS are expected following this assessment.

Illegal mining has been a persistent issue at Stilfontein since August 2024, with over 1,500 miners arrested in previous incidents.

Many of these miners are foreign nationals, often working in abandoned mines to extract gold.

Rescuers use a mobile rescue winder during a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, North West Province, South Africa, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

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