RUSTENBURG – Two mineworkers trapped underground at Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) mine in Rustenburg have not yet been located, the company said on Thursday.
“Rescue operations are ongoing. Rescue teams made progress overnight. The workers have not been located, but rescue teams have reached the area affected by the rock fall,” said spokesperson Johan Theron.
He said there were huge loose rocks at that area and rescue teams were removing the rocks manually after first stabilising the area.
There were six rescue teams working on shift in a bid to reach the trapped mineworkers, who are reported to be rock drill operators.
“The area is restricted, allowing a certain number of rescue members to enter and work. They work metre by metre in efforts to reach the trapped workers,” he said.
Two mineworkers were trapped underground at the 1 Shaft in Meriting near Rustenburg on Tuesday, after a rock fall. Seven others escaped the rock fall unharmed.
The families of the two workers have been informed and were receiving support from the mine and union. The names of the miners have not yet been released.