289 MINERS TRAPPED – Rescue TEAMS Mobilized!
Nearly 300 South African miners found themselves trapped deep underground when a gold mine shaft unexpectedly malfunctioned, triggering emergency rescue procedures and raising questions about mining safety standards.
At a Glance
- 289 miners became trapped after a rock winder skip door opened unexpectedly at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof 7 sub-shaft on May 22, 2025
- All miners have been accounted for, are safe, and are being provided with food while awaiting rescue
- The incident occurred around 10:00 PM local time, affecting multiple levels of the mine located about 60 km west of Johannesburg
- Company officials expect all employees to be safely brought to the surface by midday following thorough safety examinations
- Mining accidents remain common in South Africa, which operates some of the world’s deepest and oldest gold mines
Rescue Operation Underway
A major rescue effort is underway at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof 7 sub-shaft in South Africa where 289 miners became trapped underground following an equipment malfunction. The incident occurred around 10:00 PM local time on Thursday when a rock winder skip door unexpectedly opened at the loading point on level 39. The malfunction affected operations at levels 40 and 41, with minor damage reported on level 35. Despite the emergency situation, company officials have confirmed all miners are accounted for and safe.
The company immediately implemented emergency protocols upon discovering the situation. Management determined it would be safer for the miners to remain at sub-shaft stations rather than attempt to walk long distances through underground passages. The workers are currently gathered at assembly points within the mine, which is located approximately 60 kilometers west of Johannesburg, while rescue teams conduct thorough examinations of affected areas.
Safety Measures and Mine Conditions
Sibanye-Stillwater operates the Kloof mine at exceptional depths of approximately 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), making it one of the deepest mining operations in the world. The trapped miners are being provided with food and necessities while safety crews complete their work. Company officials have emphasized that the safety of workers remains the top priority, and comprehensive shaft examinations must be completed before evacuation operations can begin.
“Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our employees,” the company stated.
The Kloof mining complex is a significant operation for Sibanye-Stillwater, contributing approximately 14% of the company’s total gold output. The facility operates two additional shafts beyond the affected Kloof 7 sub-shaft. While this incident has drawn international attention, the company has been working to maintain its reputation for safety standards in an industry known for its inherent dangers, particularly in South Africa’s challenging deep-mining environments.
Mining Safety Concerns in South Africa
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in South Africa’s mining industry, which operates some of the world’s oldest and deepest gold mines. Mining accidents remain relatively common in the region despite improved safety protocols over recent decades. Earlier this year, authorities recovered 78 bodies from an illegal gold mining operation following a government crackdown, underscoring the dangers faced by workers in both regulated and unregulated mining activities.
“We are currently conducting thorough shaft examinations, and once these are complete, we will begin safely hoisting workers to the surface,” the company explained.
Sibanye-Stillwater remains one of the few South African mining companies consistently profiting from the region’s gold deposits, which require increasingly sophisticated technology and safety measures to access. The company has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident and reiterated its commitment to maintaining high safety standards. A company spokesperson expressed confidence in the rescue operation, stating they expected the situation to be resolved by midday, allowing all trapped miners to return safely to the surface.
