Miners return to danger
At least one illegal miner died when the roof of a disused coalmine north of Ermelo collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning.
19 September – 12:29
At least one illegal miner died when the roof of a disused coalmine north of Ermelo collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning. At this stage it is not known how many miners may still be trapped or how far they may be inside the collapsed tunnel.
Police and members of Msukaligwa Disaster management were on the scene early this morning but conditions were regarded as too unstable for a search and rescue operation to be undertaken. A decision on a course of action will be taken after consultation with various authorities.
Earlier this year the Highvelder highlighted the dangers facing the illegal miners who risk their lives in order to mine the coal.
26 September – 10:29
Despite one person being killed in a rock fall at an illegal coalmine near Ermelo last week, illegal miners have been seen returning to the site where they continue to dig for coal.
Msukaligwa Municipality has since been referred the matter to the Department of mineral resources for possible intervention.
