Search continues for trapped miner

THE SEARCH for the one remaining trapped miner at Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) in Gamsberg in the Northern Cape is still continuing.

This follows after miners got trapped underground following a geotechnical incident during the early hours of November 17, 2020.

The mine management it is continuing with efforts to rescue the miner

“Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) is continuing its rescue mission for the other miner following a geotechnical incident that took place at its Gamsberg South Pit site. VZI is doing everything in its power to rescue the employee.

“Technical experts are sourced to enable safe access to the bottom of the pit by heavy earth moving equipment. Mining-related activities at Gamsberg Mine remain suspended until further notice,” management said.

They said one of the trapped miners had died during the incident.

“One of the two missing miners have been recovered from the Gamsberg South Pit site on November 19, 2020. The deceased has been identified as Melvin Rodney Saal who held the position of load and haul foreman at Moolmans (Pty) Ltd. He is survived by his wife and three children.,” they said.

Ten miners were initially trapped underground on the day of the incident.

Eight of the miners were rescued and were medically cleared.