By OBAKENG MAJE
11 January 2025- The Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (DMRE) has refuted the allegations that the court mandated the rescue operation at Stilfontein Mine. The department said MACUA’s widely published claims to the contrary are false and in contempt of the court.
“These unfounded allegations distort the truth by suggesting that the court mandated the rescue operation, which is unequivocally false. On Friday 10 January 2025, Lawyers For Human Rights brought an urgent application to the Gauteng High Court of on behalf of Zinzi Tom.
“It was in fact, the state that appraised the court of the relentless and ongoing efforts by its agencies, since December 2024, to find a resolution. We wish to clarify that the decision to deploy rescue services was made independently and prior to the urgent application brough by MACUA.”
The department said this decision reflects unwavering commitment from government and the sector, represented by the Minerals Council of South Africa (MCSA) to facilitate the exit of those illegal miners, who remain underground. It said government, through DMRE has finalized an agreement with Mine Rescue Services and work related to the rescue operation has already commenced at the mine site.
“Further details on the rescue process will be communicated in due course. The statement is issued on behalf of all state respondents cited in this case.”
The Guardian 