Illegal Mining Crisis: South Africa Rescues Miners Forced Underground

Over 150 illegal miners, many reportedly foreign nationals, have been rescued from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province. The operation, which began earlier this week, also recovered three bodies. The authorities arrested the rescued individuals and stated that investigations continue into illegal mining activities in the region. Many of the miners claim they were forced underground against their will and the police have since launched an investigation into these allegations. With the last miner now rescued, a police spokesperson confirmed the rescue operation in Mpumalanga is now complete. The spokesperson also announced that the site will remain accessible to authorities until investigations are complete. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue at another abandoned mine in Stilfontein, where authorities are deploying more equipment to help rescue those still trapped underground.

SOURCE: BBC