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What is Known So Far About 'Hostage' Situation in South African Mine?

© AFP 2024 SHIRAAZ MOHAMEDMembers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) carry their weapons as they enter an abandoned mine during an operation in Stormhill west of Johannesburg on August 10, 2023 where territorial battles between illegal miners known as Zama Zamas has wreaked havoc in the area claiming the lives of several miners.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) carry their weapons as they enter an abandoned mine during an operation in Stormhill west of Johannesburg on August 10, 2023 where territorial battles between illegal miners known as Zama Zamas has wreaked havoc in the area claiming the lives of several miners.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 24.10.2023
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In a tense and rapidly evolving situation, at least 543 miners have been trapped underground since Sunday night at the GoldOne-East Modderfontein mine in Springs, a town in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
The incident reportedly began when workers at the GoldOne-East Modderfontein mine in Springs went down for their night shift on Sunday and were subsequently prevented from coming back up.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) reportedly pointed the finger at the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), accusing it of holding the miners hostage.
For its part, the AMCU said it's still trying to determine exactly what happened. The union later claimed that a miners' sit-in was taking place inside the mine. The NUM has categorically denied the claim that its members are staging a sit-in.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that AMCU members have welded shut entry and exit points. This measure leaves only one point of access to the GoldOne property. Mine management has confirmed the incident, but details remain unclear.

The situation remains precarious as both unions struggle with conflicting narratives.
Top 10 diamond-producing countries of the world. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 22.10.2023
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Top 10 Diamond Producing Nations in the World
According to Jonathan Hericourt, the GoldOne Group's VP Operations, the NUM is the main union at the GoldOne-East Modderfontein mine, but in recent months there's been a push to recognize AMCU - resulting in various court cases.
Hericourt noted that last week AMCU applied to the courts for permission to strike and that the outcome is currently pending.
According to local media reports, AMCU and GoldOne management are expected to meet later today to discuss a way forward to get the workers out of the mine.
As tensions escalate, local law enforcement is on high alert. Gauteng police confirmed the reports of the situation to the national media, saying their officers are currently on standby and closely monitoring developments.
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