Two gold miners saved in Zimbabwe rescue mission

Two miners have been rescued from a derelict mine shaft that collapsed near the Zimbabwean town of Kwekwe. The miners are now in hospital being treated for their injuries.

Rescue efforts are ongoing after the Globe and Phoenix mine collapsed on Thursday, trapping an estimated 20 people underground. Zimbabwe’s government has said it is not sure how many people remain trapped as some could have found their way put through other tunnels. 

The mine had previously been in operation since the nineteenth century, but was closed down over a decade ago after being deemed environmentally unsafe. 

Reports indicate that Thursday’s accident may have been caused by rockfall but this is still unconfirmed. 

Mining is a vital source of foreign currency in Zimbabwe, which has vast gold and mineral reserves, including diamonds and platinum. 

However, the industry remains largely unregulated, leading to many accidents. Last year, twenty-two miners were killed in a collapse near the current site. 

Photo: AFP