Rescue operations are underway at the Sibanye Stillwater Kloof gold mine in Westonaria, where more than 300 workers remain trapped underground.
What we know about the Sibanye Stillwater miners trapped underground
The incident happened at Shaft 7 when a load of ore caused a structural blockage, cutting off the workers’ access to the surface. According to the company, the miners are currently safe at an underground assembly point and are being supplied with food, water, and medical assistance.
Duncan Luvuno from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirmed that none of the trapped miners have been injured.
However, Luvuno said it was “not satisfactory” that the workers went nearly 24 hours without food or water.
“Ours is to make sure the workers are safe,” Luvuno stated, noting that medication for those with chronic conditions is now being delivered.
Despite the mine’s public reassurances, families of the trapped miners expressed frustration at the lack of communication and were reportedly blocked from accessing the mine premises.
Sibanye Stillwater’s controversial history
This is not the first time Sibanye Stillwater has been under scrutiny for safety concerns. The mining group has faced repeated criticism for avoidable deaths at its operations.
In October 2020, two workers died at the Beatrix gold mine due to safety protocol violations by a shift supervisor. Evidence presented at the time indicated that warnings were ignored, contributing directly to the fatal incident.
Further back in 2018, five miners died at the Kloof Ikamva shaft after entering an abandoned section of the mine. This followed a string of incidents that year in which at least 20 workers lost their lives at Sibanye’s operations in South Africa.
These repeated failures have prompted concerns from unions and investors alike, contributing to significant drops in the company’s share price during those periods.
Is this linked to illegal mining?
While the current situation at Kloof does not appear to be caused by illegal mining, concerns remain due to South Africa’s broader mining landscape.
In January 2025, a major rescue operation was launched at an abandoned mine shaft in Stilfontein, North West, where hundreds of illegal miners were believed to be trapped. Volunteers reported grim findings, including numerous unidentified remains and deteriorating conditions underground.
Illegal mining—also referred to locally as “zama zama” activity—has become increasingly deadly and widespread in recent years.
