Cape Town – Miners at the Gold One mine in Springs, Gauteng, reportedly started emerging from underground wearing full personal protective equipment around 07:00 on a Wednesday.
They had been underground since Sunday as part of a sit-in protest organised by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) to demand union recognition from the company.
Over 500 workers were underground, and tensions had escalated with claims of some workers being held hostage by Amcu supporters.
[ON AIR] Confirmation this morning that the more than 500 miners that were held hostage at Gold One mine (Springs) are now coming out underground. Jonathan Hericourt – Gold One Mine CEO on #SAfmSunrise with @StephenGrootes #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/M18n4bMCxt
— SAfmRadio 📻 (@SAfmRadio) October 25, 2023
According to Times Live, company spokesperson Jon Hericourt said that a significant number of miners came to the surface and were being medically evaluated and provided with energy drinks.
“We have a lot of people coming out. It’s not everyone but it’s quite a significant number.
“They are currently being medically evaluated and given energy drinks,” the report quoted Hericourt as saying.
Additional miners were still unaccounted for, but most were reportedly tired and hungry, with one person requiring medical attention, the report said.
More to follow…
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
