A rescue operation ended in South Africa after at least 87 miners died in an abandoned gold mine. The operation was launched following criticism of authorities for initially cutting off food supplies to the miners in an attempt to 'smoke them out'. The disaster highlights the dangers of illegal mining and the challenges authorities face in curbing it.
A miner is transported on a stretcher by rescue workers after he was rescued from below ground in an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. trapped while working illegally in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa has risen to at least 87, police said Thursday. Authorities faced growing anger and a possible investigation over their initial refusal to help the miners and instead “smoke them out" by cutting off their food supplies.
Many say the unfolding disaster underground was clear weeks ago, when community members sporadically pulled decomposing bodies out of the mine, some with notes attached pleading for food to be sent down. “The scale of the disaster underground at Buffelsfontein is rapidly proving to be as bad as feared,” the Democratic Alliance party said.
The mine is one of the deepest in South Africa and is a maze of tunnels and levels and has several shafts leading into it. The miners were working up to 2.5 kilometers underground in different groups. Police said they seized gold, explosives, firearms and more than $2 million in cash from the miners and have defended their hardline approach.
SOUTH AFRICA MINE DISASTER ILLEGAL MINING RESCUE OPERATION DEATHS
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African suburb fights food poverty with climate-smart farming methods'Too many chemicals and synthetic fertilizers have destroyed our land and soil. So we need to go back to our roots and plant our indigenous food,' says small-scale farmer Rosa Ramaipadi
Read more »
Bohol Governor Urges Cooperation to Contain African Swine FeverBohol Governor Aris Aumentado has appealed for public cooperation in combating the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) after confirmed cases in a provincial town. While recent measures have prevented further outbreaks, the governor emphasized the need for collective action to protect the local hog industry and economy.
Read more »
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Avoids Corruption ProbeSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol did not appear for questioning by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) regarding his controversial martial law declaration. The CIO intends to pursue further legal actions against Yoon, while he maintains his innocence and vows to fight the charges.
Read more »
South Korea Government Assures Foreign Visitors of Stability Amidst Impeachment TrialSouth Korea's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yu In Chon, reassured foreign visitors that daily life in Korea remains unaffected despite the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol. President Yoon was suspended from office after the National Assembly voted to impeach him. Acting President Han Deok-soo has taken over and issued directives to maintain national security, public safety, and economic stability. The government is committed to addressing urgent issues and ensuring the smooth operation of the country.
Read more »
Philippines, South Korea Approve Free Trade AgreementPhilippines and South Korea have officially approved a free trade agreement (FTA) that will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services traded between the two countries. The agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between the two nations.
Read more »
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Skips Questioning, Raising Arrest RiskSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for declaring martial law, skipped a scheduled questioning by a joint investigation team, increasing the risk of his arrest. Yoon’s lawyers stated he has not yet assembled his defense team and will respond to the investigation requests soon.
Read more »