Mining experts double up on safety precautions in phase 2 of Stilfontein rescue plan
The plans form part of an intensified drive to take down illegal mining syndicates in parts of the country.
Screengrab from EWN Reporter video of grader arriving at Stilfontein illegal mining site
JOHANNESBURG - Mining experts leading plans to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners at an abandoned shaft in Stilfontein are doubling up on safety precautions as rescue operations enter phase 2.
After two days of clearing rubble near the shaft, the next step in the operation includes a number of assessments of the shaft before equipment is sent down to haul the illegal miners back to the surface.
READ: Stilfontain illegal miners retrieval: Next step includes sending a camera down the shaft
The plans form part of an intensified drive to take down illegal mining syndicates in parts of the country.
Mining rescue services were on site earlier on Thursday after phase 1 of the plan wrapped up on Wednesday.
It’s believed the team is still conducting safety tests and assessments of the shaft amid concerns about aging infrastructure.
Despite what appears to be a slow process, law enforcement said that progress had been made since the plans were announced almost a week ago.
"When you plan, you may plan to execute the plan in five days but as you continue with the plan, something may happen that hampers your plan, in such a way that you adjust your plan. That may have an impact on the timeframe that you set for yourself," said North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone.
The task team had initially hoped it would take five to six days to execute the plan.
But it’s unclear how much longer it will now take to bring the illegal miners back up to the surface.