Reports indicate that nine people have been injured, and there are concerns that food and medical supplies are not reaching those trapped underground⁴. The Council has reached out to all parties involved to understand the situation and explore how it can assist in resolving the matter.
The situation at the mine has been described as a hostage situation carried out by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU). However, AMCU members have dismissed these claims, stating that the workers have remained underground as part of a protest.
The strike at the appears to be centred around union representation. The workers, who had been signed up to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) by default, are seeking representation from the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU)
It has now escalated to a point where Gold One has obtained an interdict against the strike which was granted by the Labour Court against AMCU and NUM and prohibits the detention of Gold One employees underground and prevents striking workers from obstructing non-striking workers from entering or leaving the company's premises.
Despite these measures, tensions continue to rise. The Minerals Council urges all role players to find a speedy resolution to prevent further injuries and compromise to the health, safety, and emotional wellbeing of those trapped underground.
Some miners have started emerging from the mine, however, with hundreds still trapped underground, the crisis is far from over.
The Minerals Council emphasises that ensuring the health and safety of all those who are underground is of utmost importance. It calls for a peaceful resolution so that all miners can safely return to the surface.
