One miner rescued, body found

04 February 2016 - 02:45 By Shaun Smillie

Proto team members rescued a miner yesterday and recovered the body of another after struggling for 48 hours to reach them at Sibanye Gold's Cooke operations in Westonaria. The surviving miner was taken to hospital. Sibanye Gold spokesman James Wellsted said it was not clear what had happened on Monday when the two contracted employees had moved to an area of the mine that had been barricaded."They had possibly broken through the barricades to do some illegal mining. There was a fall of ground and the two became trapped," Wellsted said.The mine, like many others, has been badly hit by illegal mining."This affects profitability and safety. We need to pay to beef up security," said Wellsted.Besides employees taking part in illegal mining, there are also organised gangs that recently have fought against each other.The Chamber of Mines estimates that at least 10% of South Africa's total gold production comes from illegal mining...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.