2024-11-17 17:03:00
Illegal miners holed up in an abandoned gold mine in north-west South Africa have been given food for the first time in days. Municipal representative Johannes Qankase told the AFP news agency on Sunday that 600 packets of porridge and 600 liters of water had been thrown into the Stilfontein mine following a court ruling on Saturday. The court had prohibited the police from blocking the aid.
For days the police have prevented helpers from taking care of people underground. They received their last supplies on Tuesday. Then some miners came out. According to Qankasese they were “very weak, very dehydrated”. A body was recovered Thursday.
The miners are threatened with arrest
The Pretoria court banned the police from intervening. She was also not allowed to enter the tunnel to let people out. Official statements about the desire to “eliminate” people have sparked outrage.
A resident of the Stilfontein mine, about 140 kilometers from Johannesburg, said after arguing with miners they told him about 4,000 people underground. You risk being arrested if you leave the mine.
Police said the number may be “far-fetched.” For his part, he spoke of around 300 people who were allegedly in the mine. As a result, more than 1,170 people have left the mine since police began an operation there weeks ago.
Thousands of illegal miners, many of them from overseas, are believed to be working in abandoned mine shafts in resource-rich South Africa. These miners in the Zulu language are called “zama zamas”, which means “those who try”.
How can local communities and governments collaborate to address the challenges of illegal mining?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Mining Expert Dr. Amara Kinsley
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kinsley. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent situation with the illegal miners trapped in the abandoned gold mine in South Africa. It seems to be a complex issue intertwining human rights, safety, and illegal mining practices. What are your initial thoughts on the matter?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed tragic. It highlights the desperate circumstances that lead individuals to engage in illegal mining—a practice that often places them in dire situations. Providing food and water is crucial, but it raises questions about the overall effectiveness of enforcement and support systems in place for miners.
Time.news Editor: That’s a good point. The court ruling that allowed supplies to reach the miners was a significant development. How do you view the role of the legal system in protecting these miners?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: The court’s intervention underscores the importance of protecting human rights, even in cases of illegal activity. It’s easy to dismiss illegal miners as lawbreakers, but many are simply trying to survive in an economic landscape that offers them few legitimate opportunities. The legal system here has a pivotal role in balancing enforcement of mining laws with humanitarian considerations.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. We’ve seen reports that some miners were found weak and dehydrated after days without adequate supplies. What dangers do these individuals face, not just in terms of physical health but also in terms of safety underground?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: The risks are immense. Beyond malnutrition and dehydration, underground conditions can be treacherous—unstable tunnels, poor ventilation, and the threat of collapse all pose significant dangers. Additionally, if they are seen as trespassers, they can face harsh responses from law enforcement. It’s a vicious cycle of vulnerability and risk.
Time.news Editor: There’s also the broader impact of illegal mining on communities and the environment. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: Certainly. Illegal mining can lead to environmental degradation, deforestation, and water pollution, which ultimately affect local communities. Moreover, it creates a shadow economy that can destabilize existing livelihoods. The challenge for regulators and governments is to find a way to address these issues while providing alternative opportunities for those drawn to illegal mining due to economic necessity.
Time.news Editor: What solutions do you believe could be effective in addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: A multifaceted approach is needed. Firstly, there should be greater investment in legal mining ventures that can provide jobs. Educational programs to inform communities about the dangers of illegal mining are critical. Additionally, re-evaluating the legal frameworks to possibly decriminalize certain aspects of small-scale mining could encourage safer practices.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like feasible steps. Do you see any hope for a change in the current approaches to illegal mining in South Africa?
Dr. Amara Kinsley: Change is always possible, particularly when communities advocate for their needs. Increased collaboration between government, local communities, and NGOs can foster a more sustainable and humane strategy to manage mining activities. It will take time, but the conversation is evolving, and we’re beginning to see more recognition of the complexities involved.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kinsley, for your insights. The situation of the miners highlights critical issues that extend beyond the underground, and it’s a reminder of the human stories at the center of this debate.
Dr. Amara Kinsley: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I hope that continued dialogue can lead to positive change for those affected.