A large-scale rescue operation is underway at the Kloof 7 shaft of Sibanye Stillwater’s gold mining complex west of Johannesburg, where 289 mine workers became trapped underground late Thursday evening.
The incident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT), has prompted urgent emergency protocols as the mining company coordinates efforts to safely extract all personnel. A spokesperson for Sibanye Stillwater confirmed on Friday morning that all miners have been located, are safe, and are receiving food and essential support underground.
“We can confirm that we had an incident at Kloof 7 shaft and are currently engaged in safety and shaft examination procedures. Once those are completed, we will begin hoisting the employees to the surface,” the spokesperson said.
The mining giant did not disclose the nature of the incident but emphasized that there had been no fatalities or injuries reported. Preliminary assessments indicate that the structural integrity of the shaft is being evaluated before the evacuation begins, a process expected to conclude around midday today.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of South Africa’s largest mining unions, said it was notified of the emergency and is closely monitoring the situation. In a brief statement, the union confirmed receiving reports of the incident and urged the company to prioritize worker safety.
Kloof mine, operated by Sibanye Stillwater, is one of South Africa’s deepest and most extensive gold mines, with shafts reaching depths of over 3,000 meters. The incident has raised renewed concerns about underground safety in the country’s mining sector, which has seen a series of accidents in recent years despite ongoing efforts to improve conditions.
Authorities and mine safety inspectors are expected to launch a formal investigation once all miners are brought to the surface and the site is declared secure.