South Africa Mine Dump Collapse Kills 14 Illegal Miners
On Monday night, a collapse at a disused platinum mine dump in South Africa's North West province resulted in the deaths of at least 14 suspected illegal miners and left eight others injured, as reported by police. The incident took place while the miners were excavating platinum group metals at a private company's site near Rustenburg. Arthur Peter Adams, the provincial police commissioner, mentioned that search and rescue efforts are currently in progress for additional individuals who may be trapped. The injured miners hail from Lesotho, while the nationalities of those who died remain unverified. Illegal mining, a long-standing problem in South Africa, incurs significant financial losses for the government and mining sector each year.
Key facts
- At least 14 suspected illegal miners killed and eight injured in a mine dump collapse in South Africa's North West province.
- The collapse occurred on Monday night near Rustenburg.
- Miners were digging for platinum group metals at a disused dump on a private company's site.
- Search and rescue operations are underway for possibly trapped individuals.
- Provincial police commissioner Arthur Peter Adams reported the incident.
- The injured miners are from Lesotho; nationalities of the deceased not yet confirmed.
- Illegal mining has plagued South Africa for decades, including organized criminal networks.
- Illegal mining costs the government and industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Entities
Locations
- South Africa
- North West province
- Rustenburg
- Lesotho