In January 2025, South African authorities concluded a rescue operation at the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein in the North West Province, retrieving 246 survivors and 78 bodies.
The operation, initiated on 13 January, was mandated by a court order following reports of illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” trapped underground. The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that the majority of the rescued individuals were undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. All survivors were arrested and face charges related to illegal mining and immigration violations.
The Buffelsfontein mine, once a significant gold producer, ceased operations in 2013. Since its closure, it has become a hotspot for illicit mining activities. In August 2024, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi (“Close the Hole”), authorities attempted to curb illegal mining by sealing mine entrances and cutting off supplies to force miners to surface. This strategy, described by officials as an effort to “smoke them out,” has faced severe criticism.
Critics argue that the authorities’ approach, particularly the decision to block food and water supplies, led to the miners’ deaths from starvation and dehydration. Community groups and human rights organisations have condemned the tactics as inhumane, calling for an independent inquiry into the handling of the situation. The South African Federation of Trade Unions labelled the operation as “one of the most horrific displays of state wilful negligence in recent history.”
The rescue operation involved lowering a metal cage equipped with cameras into the mine shaft, descending approximately 2.5 kilometres to locate survivors and retrieve bodies. Due to safety concerns, official rescue personnel did not enter the shafts; instead, two community volunteers undertook the perilous task of assisting miners to the surface. These volunteers have been offered trauma counselling following the operation.
The incident has highlighted the persistent issue of illegal mining in South Africa, which poses significant risks to human life and the environment. The government estimates that illicit mining activities result in the loss of over $1 billion annually in gold deposits. The zama zamas, often operating under dangerous conditions, are typically part of organised criminal syndicates. The proliferation of illegal mining is exacerbated by socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and poverty, driving individuals to engage in these hazardous activities.
In response to the Buffelsfontein tragedy, there have been calls for a comprehensive review of policies addressing illegal mining. Advocates urge the government to consider the underlying socio-economic factors that compel individuals to risk their lives in abandoned mines. Proposed measures include the formalisation of artisanal mining, providing safer and regulated avenues for small-scale miners, and the rehabilitation of disused mines to prevent unauthorised access.
The South African government has acknowledged the need for a balanced approach that addresses both the enforcement of laws against illegal mining and the socio-economic drivers behind it. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of ensuring that law enforcement operations do not endanger lives, stating, “The police will carry out their duties and responsibilities to bring the illegal miners to the surface safely.”
As the country reflects on the events at the Buffelsfontein mine, there is a growing consensus on the necessity for policy reforms that prioritise human rights and safety. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding illegal mining and the imperative for solutions that encompass economic, social, and legal dimensions.
