14:35
Extensive input has been received by experts and geologists at Lily Mine today. According to a media briefing by mine CEO Mr Mike McChesney it has been determined that it would be too dangerous to send rescue workers underground. The rescue mission has been suspended for at least 48 hours.
He also clarified that yesterday’s reported collapse was in fact the ground cascading off due to the collapse and to be expected due to unstable ground near the pit.
10:39
LOW’S CREEK – There was another collapse at Lily Mine late yesterday afternoon, followed by two less serious ones. Rescue workers are on standby, waiting to hear whether it is safe enough for them to resume with their work.
Also see: Day 10 of Lily Mine disaster
Today marks day 11 since the container (light room) in which Ms Pretty Nkambule, Mr Solomon Nyarende and Ms Yvonne Mnisi disappeared into a massive sinkhole at the mine.
The rescue mission was halted on Friday when a collapse occurred. Experts were called in, including Prof Francois Malan of the University of Pretoria, to assess whether it would be safe for rescuers to go underground again.
He is currently in consultation with Mr Mike Begg, operations director of Vantage Goldfields, as well as CEO of the company, Mr Mike McChesney, to discuss the way forward.
Yesterday’s collapse occurred at about 16:00.
Mr Christo de Klerk, CEO of Mines Rescue Services SA, said that they are standing by with two rescue times and will go in once it has been indicated that operations can be resumed.
Also see: Day 9 of Lily Mine disaster
Read more about Lily Mine here: The story of a little gold mine
