Collapsed mine: DA joins in hope with families of trapped miners 

10 February 2016

The DA sadly notes that the three miners – believed to be alive and trapped in the collapsed Lily Mine in Mpumalanga have not made communication in over 20 hours and they have been stuck underground, without food for five days. 

The DA extends its deepest commiserations to the families of the three miners still stuck in the Lily Mine in Mpumalanga, that collapsed this morning.  According to News24, rescue missions are still in progress and it is believe that the porous rocks underground mean they could have sufficient oxygen.

The families of those missing are in our thoughts and we are hopeful that no casualties will occur whilst the rescuers are still in pursuit.

Recently, four miners died in Rustenburg when they were overcome by fire fumes from an inferno within the mine. We would also like to send our condolences to these.

The DA believes that miner’s safety must be of high importance and that human life and the preservation thereof should continue to guide mining operations. 

Issued by James Lorimer, DA Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources, 10 February 2016