The illegal gold mining crisis in Stilfontein, South Africa, has taken a grim turn as the death toll climbed to 78 on Wednesday. The recovery operation, which began earlier this week, has also seen 216 miners brought out alive, police confirmed.
Authorities descended on the abandoned gold shaft in Stilfontein, located roughly 140 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg, after residents raised concerns that over 100 people may have perished underground. The operation has highlighted the perilous conditions faced by illegal miners, colloquially known as zama zamas, and the broader socio-economic challenges driving the trade.
Dangerous Gamble Underground
South Africa’s zama zamas—a Zulu phrase meaning “those who try”—are often migrants from neighboring countries. Lured by the hope of striking gold and escaping poverty, they risk their lives in abandoned mines deemed unsafe for commercial use.
“This is not just a Stilfontein problem; it’s a national tragedy,” said Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe during a visit to the site on Tuesday. Mantashe described the miners as mere “foot soldiers” in a larger illegal trade controlled by shadowy syndicates profiting from their desperation.
The Stilfontein mine shaft, plunging 2.6 kilometers underground, was once part of South Africa’s mining boom but was abandoned due to unprofitability. Police believe hundreds more may remain trapped underground.
“There is no way to determine the exact number,” Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said, emphasizing that estimates remain speculative.
Grim Discoveries
Since Monday, rescuers have used specialized machinery to lift both survivors and bodies out of the dangerous depths. A chilling video shared by Macua, a miner advocacy group, shows dozens of corpses wrapped in cloth within the mine’s chambers.
The operation on Wednesday alone resulted in 84 miners being brought to the surface and subsequently arrested. Those rescued face charges of illegal mining, trespassing, and violations of immigration laws.
Police Crackdown
The tragedy comes amid intensified efforts by South African authorities to combat illegal mining. Since August, more than 1,500 illegal miners have been arrested in Stilfontein. Of these, 121 were deported, and 46 were convicted of various offences.
Police have also confiscated gold, explosives, and firearms from illegal operations in the area, showcasing the scale of the criminal enterprises involved.
“This is not just about gold; it’s about organized crime,” said a senior police officer, who requested anonymity.
Attempts to cut off food and water supplies to the mine in November were thwarted by a court ruling, which allowed supplies to resume. This controversial decision has sparked debate over the balance between enforcing the law and preserving human rights.
A Longstanding Crisis
South Africa’s mining sector has a storied history, once serving as a cornerstone of the economy. However, the decline of commercial mining has left a void filled by illegal operations. The allure of abandoned shafts, combined with a lack of viable employment opportunities, continues to draw vulnerable individuals into dangerous situations.
The Stilfontein tragedy has reignited calls for a comprehensive strategy to address illegal mining. Advocacy groups argue that poverty and inequality, coupled with weak border control, fuel the phenomenon.
“These miners are not criminals; they are victims of systemic failure,” said a spokesperson for Macua.
The Way Forward
Authorities face mounting pressure to prevent such disasters in the future. Minerals Minister Mantashe emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and better collaboration with neighboring countries to curb cross-border migration.
“The true culprits are those who profit from the misery of these miners,” Mantashe said, vowing to dismantle illegal mining syndicates.
As rescue operations continue, the Stilfontein community remains gripped by uncertainty. Residents fear more deaths will be uncovered as the shaft is thoroughly searched. For now, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of illegal mining and the urgent need for solutions to address the socio-economic factors driving the crisis.