Rescue operations in South Africa’s North West province have brought over 100 illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” to the surface, while more than 50 bodies have also been recovered. The miners had been trapped in an abandoned gold mine for over two months.
Authorities launched the operation following a court order last week, amid growing concerns over the miners’ deteriorating health. Initial reports suggested the miners refused to come out for fear of arrest, but civil society groups revealed many were too weak from starvation to resurface.
Tragic losses and ongoing efforts
Activist Mzukisi Jam disclosed that more than 400 miners remain underground, with over 100 confirmed dead, according to volunteers involved in the operation. Jam criticized the government for delaying rescue efforts despite multiple pleas to prioritize saving lives.
“We begged the government to bring them up first and address the legalities later,” Jam said, emphasizing that many deaths could have been avoided.
Police and government officials also visited the site on Tuesday to oversee the ongoing rescue mission, which is expected to last 10 days.
A deadly struggle for survival
Reports say that illegal mining in South Africa is driven by unemployment and poverty that is forcing many, including immigrants from neighboring countries like Lesotho and Mozambique, to risk their lives underground. While miners earn meager wages, criminal syndicates profiting from the illicit trade reap billions.
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe defended the government’s stance, labeling illegal mining as a crime. In his comment, he stated that Illegal mining is an attack on the nation’s economy, he also cited an estimated loss of over $3 billion annually because of that and vowed to intensify the fight against the practice.
For some families like Zinzi Tom’s, the focus remains on reuniting with loved ones. Her 26-year-old brother is still trapped underground, and she shared her anguish over his condition.
“They told us he’s not in good condition. The person who was with him last saw him two weeks ago,” Tom said. “I’m praying to God to give me strength and to bring him back alive.”
The tragedy highlights the dangerous conditions faced by zama zamas and the systemic issues fueling illegal mining. As rescue efforts continue, attention is turning to long-term solutions that address economic inequalities while curbing criminal exploitation.