End of Operation and Aftermath

Rescue operations at the illegal underground gold mine near Stilfontein, South Africa, have ended, with authorities confirming no additional miners remain trapped. The operation, which commenced after a court order, resulted in the recovery of 78 bodies and the rescue of 246 survivors, many of whom were severely malnourished and disoriented.

The survivors, primarily from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, face charges including illegal immigration, trespassing, and illegal mining. The mine, known for its hazardous conditions, had been under siege since November 2024 when the government authorized police to arrest miners emerging from the site. Authorities cut off food and water supplies to prevent further illegal mining activities, a controversial move defended by police to curb criminality.

Illegal Mining Crisis and Public Outcry

The operation, which utilized a cylindrical metal cage to extract individuals from deep underground, has been met with criticism from labor unions and civil society groups. Critics accuse the government of dehumanizing the miners, many of whom are undocumented and forced to work in abandoned mines controlled by criminal syndicates. While police claimed over 1,500 miners left the site during the siege, community members dispute these claims, alleging that the authorities removed crucial pulley systems that miners relied on for escape.

Illegal mining continues to be a significant issue in South Africa, costing the economy an estimated $3 billion annually, according to the country’s mining minister. The complex network of tunnels in the Stilfontein mine has made it difficult to recover all bodies, with some believed to be lost underground forever.