South African authorities reported on Friday that excessively elevated methane levels have thus far hindered the investigation into a gas explosion at a decommissioned mine shaft in the Free State province. The devastating event, which transpired on 18 May, is believed to have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 31 Basotho mineworkers, but only now has the incident been brought to the public’s attention.
The victims, all thought to be from neighbouring Lesotho, reportedly perished within a ventilation shaft of the Virginia mine located in the city of Welkom, as stated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). The exact cause of death remains unclear. However, an ongoing investigation, carried out with the assistance of Harmony Gold – the mine’s former operator that ceased production in the 1990s – has ascertained that methane levels within the shaft were dangerously high.
The persistently perilous levels of methane have obstructed local authorities in Free State from dispatching a search team to recover the bodies from the mine. As a result, the department is examining various alternatives to expediently address what it refers to as “a unique and peculiar situation.”
Illegal mining remains prevalent in South Africa’s antiquated gold-mining regions, where individuals and organised crime networks venture into closed and often perilous mine shafts to excavate deposits. This activity is usually a form of minor theft or part of a larger criminal operation.
Speaking on the difficulty of policing these activities, Nathi Shabangu, the spokesperson for mining and energy minister Gwede Mantashe, noted, “These men are heavily armed, which presents a considerable challenge. It is not a problem that can be resolved within a day or overnight.”
The government department confirmed that information had been received about the recovery of three bodies, brought to the surface by other illicit miners. Another 16 suspected illegal Basotho mineworkers, who were also in the shaft, have since surrendered themselves to the authorities, according to police reports.
Harmony’s spokesperson, Sihle Maake, noted that the company views the incident – which took place on 18th May – as a criminal matter and has referred it to the South African police for further examination.
“Harmony is collaborating with the DMRE to provide guidance on the next course of action,” Maake remarked.
