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SA miners freed from collapsed pit SA mine rescue halted after miners refuse to leave
(about 4 hours later)
Illegal gold miners trapped in an abandoned shaft near Johannesburg have begun to emerge, a day after they were caught in a collapse. The operation to rescue illegal gold miners trapped in an abandoned mine in South Africa has been halted overnight.
South African rescuers had said they were communicating with a group of 30 miners trapped by fallen boulders near the top of the mine. So far 11 miners have been rescued from the shaft near Johannesburg.
Those miners suggested there may be 200 more people trapped below. Other trapped miners refused to leave after discovering they faced arrest at the surface. It is unclear how many remain underground, with reports suggesting they could number 200.
The miners are believed to have been trapped since Saturday morning but there no reports of any injuries yet. A full rescue operation will not restart unless the miners request it, said an emergency services official.
Authorities suspect the mine, near the town of Benoni, was an illegal operation. Werner Vermaak of ER24 told the BBC the mine site would be guarded overnight by a private security company, who can call for help if the miners change their mind. They could also prevent unauthorised rescue attempts.
Werner Vermaak of ER24 emergency services said the mine was in the middle of a public field and was not blocked off. Mr Vermaak said the miners would not be denied help if they called for it."They will be offered rescue should they decide to come out," he said, adding "but they will be arrested should they come to the surface again," he said.
He told the BBC that police were patrolling the area on Sunday morning when they heard cries for help coming from underground. Lacking ladders or ropes, they will not be able to leave the mine without help, he added.
The first group of miners trapped near the surface began to emerge at 16:00 GMT on Sunday (18:00 local time). Conflicting claims
Before they emerged, Mr Vermaak said they would be handed over to police Rescuers are still unable to confirm how many miners are trapped. After initially being told by the group they were in contact with that there were a further 200 miners trapped elsewhere, communications were cut off when the miners realised they faced arrest.
Heavy equipment was brought in to try to remove the boulders blocking the mine shaft. They have also been unable to verify claims the accident was caused by rival miners pushing boulders into the shaft. Police are investigating the allegations.
The approximately 20 miners trapped near the top of the mine are not said to be in immediate danger, and had been sent food and water.
The miners are believed to have been trapped since Saturday morning but there no reports of any injuries, amongst either the trapped or rescued miners.
The mine, in an open field near the town of Benoni, is thought to have been an illegal operation.
Police heard cries for help when they were patrolling the area on Sunday morning.
The first group of miners trapped near the surface began to emerge at 16:00 GMT on Sunday (18:00 local time), where their health was assessed before they were arrested.
Safety concernsSafety concerns
Mining is a vital part of the South African economy and the country is the fourth-biggest gold exporter.Mining is a vital part of the South African economy and the country is the fourth-biggest gold exporter.
According to South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources, a 2008 study of the gold sector found that an estimated $509m (£309m) in revenue was lost a year as a result of illegal mining.According to South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources, a 2008 study of the gold sector found that an estimated $509m (£309m) in revenue was lost a year as a result of illegal mining.
South Africa has some of the world's deepest gold mines and safety is a major issue.South Africa has some of the world's deepest gold mines and safety is a major issue.
In recent years the majority of deaths underground have occurred in illegal mines.In recent years the majority of deaths underground have occurred in illegal mines.
Earlier this month nine South African miners died in three different incidents at various legal gold mines operated by the Harmony gold company.Earlier this month nine South African miners died in three different incidents at various legal gold mines operated by the Harmony gold company.
At least 82 men died in a fire at a Harmony gold mine in 2009.At least 82 men died in a fire at a Harmony gold mine in 2009.
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