File image. Photo: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
AFTER a seven-day search and rescue mission, the search for one trapped miner at Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) is still continuing.
The mine management said they have roped in assistance to help in the search for the one unaccounted miner.
“VZI is continuing its search for the miner following a geotechnical incident that took place during the early morning of Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at its Gamsberg South Pit site.
“VZI is doing everything in its power to rescue its unaccounted colleague. Technical specialists, using two-way radio communication systems, electromagnetic survey equipment and drones have been active on-site to locate the man.
“The team was reinforced by the arrival of the proto team from Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine. Mining-related activities at Gamsberg Mine remain suspended until further notice,” said management.
Ten miners were initially trapped underground following the incident.
Eight were rescued and medically cleared however one of the trapped miners died.
The body of the deceased miner, Melvin Rodney Saal was recovered on Thursday, November 19, 2020.