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South Africa gold mine: Rescue underway for 955 trapped workers South Africa gold mine: All 955 trapped workers freed
(about 1 hour later)
A rescue operation is underway to release 955 workers from a gold mine in South Africa after a power cut left them trapped. All 955 workers from a gold mine in South Africa have been safely brought back to the surface.
A spokesman for the mine's operating company said on Friday morning that power had been restored to a lift to release them. They had been trapped underground since a power cut struck on Wednesday night.
The miners have been trapped underground since Wednesday night. "Everybody's out," said James Wellsted, a spokesman for the operating firm Sibanye-Stillwater. He said there were "cases of dehydration and high blood pressure but nothing serious".
South Africa is a leading gold producer, but safety in the industry is often questioned.South Africa is a leading gold producer, but safety in the industry is often questioned.
The Beatrix mine is in Welkom town, about 290km (180 miles) south-west of Johannesburg. It is owned by Sibanye-Stillwater mining firm.The Beatrix mine is in Welkom town, about 290km (180 miles) south-west of Johannesburg. It is owned by Sibanye-Stillwater mining firm.
It has 23 levels, going down to 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) below ground.It has 23 levels, going down to 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) below ground.
The workers are expected to get taken for food and showers upon their release, before having medical health checks. The accident is thought to have occurred when a storm knocked over an electricity pylon close to the site, triggering a huge power cut.
A reporter for the AFP news agency said several ambulances arrived overnight at the site. But on Friday morning electricity was finally restored to a lift, enabling the workers' release.
Company spokesman James Wellsted said there was "no indication so far that anyone has been in distress", but that counselling has been made available to the workers and their families. "It was stressful, there was not enough ventilation," said mineworker Mike Khonto. "Thankfully our management managed to send us food and water."
On Thursday he said water and food supplies had been able to reach the miners, but engineers were struggling to get emergency generators operating. They are being taken for food and showers upon their release, before having medical health checks.
The power outage is believed to have been caused after a storm knocked over an electricity pylon close to the site. Anxious family members had gathered along the road to the mine but were kept back by security forces.
Trade union officials had said they feared that the lives of the miners were at risk. Mr Wellsted said there was "no indication so far that anyone has been in distress" but it had been a "traumatic experience".
Trade union officials had previously said they feared that the lives of the miners were at risk.
More than 80 fatalities were recorded in South African mines in 2017.More than 80 fatalities were recorded in South African mines in 2017.