In a major relief, none of the 260 miners trapped underground after a hoist malfunction at Sibanye-Stillwater's Kloof gold mine in South Africa suffered injuries or fatalities, according to union officials. The mishap, which occurred on Thursday, left workers stranded in one of the country’s deepest mining shafts, located approximately 60 kilometers west of Johannesburg.

The malfunction in the shaft's lift system halted access to the surface, prompting a tense rescue effort. By Friday, 79 miners had safely reached the surface. Duncan Luvuno, chairperson of health and safety at the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), expressed deep concern for those still below ground. “Thankfully, no one was hurt,” he said, “but many have gone nearly 24 hours without food or water, and some are living with chronic conditions. That’s unacceptable.”

Although media were kept away from the site by security personnel, a Reuters reporter observed weary but unharmed miners walking toward buses after emerging from underground. Meanwhile, anxious family members remained on edge. "I haven’t slept all night," said Mamodise Mokone, whose husband remains below. “I just want him out alive,” she cried.

Sibanye-Stillwater, one of the few firms still operating in South Africa’s notoriously deep and expensive gold reserves, stated that all remaining workers had been located and were safe at an underground assembly point where they were being fed while awaiting rescue. “The final 181 employees will be hoisted out as soon as the shaft is confirmed safe,” the company noted.

Initial reports indicated as many as 289 workers were affected, but later updates clarified the number was 260. The Kloof 7 shaft, which reaches depths of over 3,200 meters, is a major contributor to Sibanye’s gold production, accounting for about 14% of the company's overall output. The mine is one of three active shafts at the site.

South Africa’s mining industry has a long and troubled history with safety. Though formal mines have improved standards over the years, accidents still occur, and abandoned sites are often taken over by informal miners, leading to deadly consequences. Earlier this year, authorities uncovered the bodies of 78 illegal miners in a disused shaft after a prolonged crackdown.
Sibanye also operates in the platinum sector, with mining interests spanning South Africa and the United States.