Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has called for extraordinary measures to be taken to ensure the three mineworkers trapped at Lily mine in Barberton, are rescued.
Minister Zwane said the rescue teams would be reinforced to include rock engineers and other experts to assess the rock fall. A third ground collapse was reported on Sunday.
The Minister visited the mine on Saturday to assess progress on the rescue operations. He also spoke to the family members of the mineworkers that are trapped underground.
Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Mazibuko and Solomon Nyerende were working in a shipping container office when the entrance of the mine collapsed, leading to the container falling into the ground.
"We have been advised that it would be best not to send anyone underground but as soon as it has been declared safe to do so, the rescue teams will get back to work, as our main priority remains that of getting the three employees out," Minister Zwane said.
He said the mine had offered R50 000 to each of the workers who were rescued earlier this month and R200 000 for the three workers who are still underground.
President Jacob Zuma has requested Minister Zwane, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Susan Shabangu, and the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, to provide support to the families of the miners who are still trapped at Lily Farm in Barberton. - SAnews.gov.za
