KEY POINTS
- 14 suspected illegal miners were killed in a mine dump collapse near Rustenburg.
- Eight others were injured, with the injured miners identified as nationals of Lesotho.
- Rescue teams were searching for more victims who may still be trapped at the site.
At least 14 suspected illegal miners have died after a mine dump collapsed in South Africa’s North West province, while rescue teams continued searching for others who may still be trapped underground.
The incident happened on Monday night at a disused mine site near Rustenburg, an area known for platinum mining.
Police said the miners were reportedly searching for platinum group metals when part of the abandoned mine dump gave way.
South African police said eight miners were injured in the collapse and taken for medical treatment.
The injured miners are nationals of neighbouring Lesotho, while authorities were still working to establish the identities and nationalities of those who died.
Police said the number of people who could still be trapped at the site remained unknown as search and rescue operations continued.
Provincial police commissioner Arthur Peter Adams said emergency teams were working at the site to determine the full extent of the disaster and locate anyone who might still be alive.
The collapse occurred at a disused mine dump located on land belonging to a private company near Rustenburg.
The miners were allegedly involved in illegal mining activities, digging through old mine material in search of valuable platinum group metals.
Disused mines and mine dumps across South Africa have become targets for informal and illegal miners hoping to recover deposits left behind after commercial mining operations end.
Illegal Mining Remains a Major Problem
Illegal mining has been a long-running problem in South Africa, with activities ranging from individuals searching for leftover minerals to larger operations reportedly controlled by organised criminal groups.
Many undocumented miners enter abandoned or disused commercial mines to search for valuable minerals. In some areas, these activities are allegedly controlled by violent gangs that regulate access to mining sites and the sale of recovered minerals.
The dangerous nature of abandoned mines has repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of people involved in illegal mining, particularly because many sites have unstable structures and lack proper safety equipment.
Beyond the danger to miners, illegal mining also creates significant financial losses for South Africa.
The government and legitimate mining companies lose revenue through stolen minerals, unpaid taxes and royalties. Authorities have also had to commit resources to tackling illegal mining networks and dealing with the environmental and security problems associated with the activities.
The latest collapse is therefore likely to renew calls for stronger action against illegal mining while highlighting the risks faced by people who enter abandoned mine sites.
