After two weeks, the search and rescue operation for the one trapped miner at Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) in Gamsberg is still continuing.
AFTER two weeks, the search and rescue operation for the one trapped miner at Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) in Gamsberg is still continuing.
This follows after ten miners were trapped underground after a rockfall incident that took place on November 17, 2020.
The incident occurred at the mine’s South Pit site.
One miner died and eight others were rescued and medically cleared.
Mine management said they will continue in their efforts to find the unaccounted miner.
“VZI and Moolmans (Pty) Ltd continued their operation to construct a ramp toward the failed mass in the Gamsberg South Pit over the weekend and continuing in the week.
“Blasting is taking place in the South Pit to reduce the risk of potential rockfall which poses a danger to the construction teams. Detection dogs, trained in detecting diesel, were active in the pit, aided by rescue and recovery service from the BMC proto team.
“Work on preparing waste areas for blasting material used to build the waste ramp continued during the day. In the following days, the focus will be on blasting waste material to build the ramp, and the continued effort to ensure the stability of the South Pit hang wall.
“Training of the Moolmans (Pty) Ltd team has commenced on safety precaution and risk prevention, as well as a briefing on the rescue and recovery plan.
“The maintenance teams will also return to the site to ensure that earthmoving machinery is available for rescue and recovery operation. VZI and Moolmans (Pty) Ltd are continuing to do everything in their power to ensure a safe rescue and recovery operation,” management said.
