Rescue efforts at an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s North West Province have resulted in the recovery of 246 survivors and 78 bodies, authorities confirmed late Wednesday. The operation, which began on Monday, targeted illegal miners trapped in the disused Stilfontein mine, a site that has become a hotspot for unregulated gold extraction.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the survivors, all engaged in illegal mining activities, were brought to the surface and subsequently arrested. While no additional bodies were found since the previous update, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe emphasized that the operation remains ongoing.
“The Mine Rescue Service will deploy specialized equipment on Thursday morning to confirm whether any individuals remain underground. Their findings will guide the next steps in this mission,” Mathe said in a statement.
The abandoned Stilfontein mine has been the site of growing illegal mining activity since August 2024. Over the past months, more than 1,576 miners, most of whom are foreign nationals from neighboring countries, have been apprehended after emerging from the shafts.
The tragedy has spotlighted the dangers of illegal mining in South Africa, where hundreds of disused mines have become targets for those seeking leftover gold deposits. These activities often lead to catastrophic incidents, with miners facing risks such as tunnel collapses, toxic gas exposure, and a lack of emergency support.
As South Africa grapples with the challenges of illegal mining, the Stilfontein rescue underscores the need for a long-term solution to address safety concerns and regulate abandoned mining sites.
Authorities have pledged to continue efforts to locate any remaining individuals underground while working to curb the rise of illegal mining activities across the country. Updates on the rescue operation are expected on Thursday as the Mine Rescue Service concludes its latest assessment.