Another is still missing.
THE BODY of one of the two missing miners at Vedanta Zinc International Mine (VZI) in Gamsberg has been recovered after a rescue and search mission on November 19, 2020.
The deceased, Melvin Rodney Saal (45), died following a geotechnical incident at VZI in Gamsberg in the Northern Cape.
Saal and a colleague were trapped underground following the incident which occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
Mine management said 10 miners were initially trapped after the incident, however, eight had been rescued and were medically cleared.
Management said that the deceased and another miner were trapped and the search for the remaining trapped miner is currently underway.
“We can confirm that one of the two missing miners have been recovered from the Gamsberg South Pit site following a geotechnical incident that took place. The deceased has been identified as Melvin Rodney Saal who held the position of Load and Haul Foreman at Moolmans (Pty) Ltd. He is survived by his wife and three children.
“All of us at VZI and Moolmans are extremely saddened and have sent our heartfelt sympathy to Melvin’s family. We commit to assisting the family, now and in the weeks and months to come. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues. The well-being of our employees is very important to us, and counselling is available for the family and all colleagues. The search and rescue operation to find our remaining colleague, still unaccounted for, is continuing and will remain the mine’s absolute focus,” said management.
