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300 Miners Trapped Underground in South Africa’s Kloof Mine Await Rescue

A door malfunction at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof mine has left workers stranded since Thursday night, with rescue efforts underway and all miners accounted for.

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An emergency vehicle arrives at a South African where 260 employees were stuck underground
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Some of the resurfaced 260 employees stuck underground the South Africa's Sibanye Stillwater's Kloof 7 sub-shaft walk towards a bus in Westonaria on May 23, 2025. Damage to a mine shaft had kept 260 miners stuck in a gold mine outside Johannesburg overnight, the mine manager and union said on May 23, 2025. (Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty)

Overview

  • At least 300 miners have been trapped in Shaft 7 of the Kloof mine near Johannesburg since 10pm Thursday due to a door malfunction.
  • Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that all workers are safe and accounted for, with food being delivered underground during the rescue operation.
  • The company expects the situation to be resolved by midday Friday, following safety and shaft inspections to ensure secure extraction.
  • The National Union of Mineworkers has criticized delays in confirming the incident, accusing the company of initially withholding information.
  • South Africa’s chief inspector of mines emphasized the need to prioritize safety before hoisting the miners to the surface.