Three miners still trapped underground at Sibanye Stillwater mine

The mine's head of investor relations James Wellsted gives an update on miners trapped underground, while four have died.

James Wellsted, head of investor relations at Sibanye Stillwater mine has confirmed that three miners are still missing underground.

This comes after mine workers got trapped after an earthquake hit the Masakhane gold mine west of Johannesburg on Thursday.

At this stage, we have freed ten of the employees from the area. Four have been confirmed dead due to the rock fall and six are in the hospital in a stable condition.

James Wellsted, Head of investor relations at Sibanye Stillwater mine

Wellsted says they are hoping to reach the remaining three miners while there is still time.

The problem is that the conditions are extremely dangerous and difficult and we need to be careful about putting other employees and the rescue team at risk.

James Wellsted, Head of investor relations at Sibanye Stillwater mine

Meanwhile, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Livhuwani Mamburu says it is not satisfied with the response from the mine following this incident.

We are not satisfied because there have been a lot of mining accidents and fatalities happening here at Sibanye-Stillwater. Until these mining incidents stop, that is when we will be satisfied.

Livhuwani Mamburu, NUM Spokesperson

Listen to NUM's grievances:

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