14 illegal miners die after Rustenburg mine dump collapses

When experts warn about the dangers of illegal mining, the risks can sometimes be underestimated. But the practice not only threatens surrounding communities and the economy; it can also have deadly consequences for the miners themselves.

Fourteen illegal miners have died in Rustenburg, North West, after a mine heap collapsed, while eight others were injured and taken to hospital.

Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams said the identities of the deceased had not yet been established.

“It was found that 14 male persons died as a result of a mine heap that caved in. The identities of those 14 African males have not yet been established. Further to that, eight were injured, five of them received medical treatment at the Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital here in Rustenburg and three were released upon receiving medical treatment,” said Adams.

He said the eight injured miners were Lesotho nationals and some of them were taken into custody.

“The three that were released from the hospital was immediately taken into custody because at the time where this incident happened, they were busy committing a crime, mining illegally and trespassing. Five is still in hospital, receiving medical attention and are under police guard,” said Adams.

According to Adams, the collapse may have been linked to the nature of the site where the illegal miners were operating.

He explained that the area is a dump site where material has accumulated over time. Excavating into such sites can cause the walls to become unstable and collapse, trapping people underground.

Adams said the site is operated by Sustenza Trading, which has reportedly been granted a permit to extract platinum group metals.

“What I established when I went to the site is that it is operated by a company called Suntenza Trading, a company from Mooinooi and has been afforded a permit to dig for Platinum Group Metals and they are duly authorised to do so, but we are still waiting to confirm with the relevant government in terms of their paperwork,” said Adams.

The eight surviving miners were rescued after one of the illegal miners contacted a security guard for help, Adams said.

While the deceased were allegedly involved in illegal mining, Adams said their deaths remained a tragedy for their families.

“It is a very sad moment because as much as these people were committing a crime, they still have families and as the SAPS, we would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased illegal miners. We are still in the process to identify them,” he said.