All 486 trapped mineworkers rescued - as it happened

“We are happy to report that all the miners have been brought safely to the surface,” said Harmony Gold spokesperson Pam McLeod.  “No injuries have been reported and this really is to the credit of the mine rescue teams and everyone on the mine who have worked quickly and safely to get everyone out.” 

Breaking news: All the trapped mine workers have been brought to the surface, says Pam McLoed of Harmony Gold.

The 468 mine workers who were brought to safety have not sustained any injuries.

Harmony Gold's Pam McLoed says there are now only 18 miners still underground at Kusasalethu.

Three people died at Kusasalethu mine in 2014, two people died in 2013 and four people died in 2012 (financial year), according to key stats on the company's website.

Kusasalethu produced 4 694kg (150 916oz) of mine in 2014, bringing in R1.959bn revenue, according to key stats on the website.

Russell: The mine workers will also have access to counseling. 

Russell: The mine workers at the top of the surface will now undergo a medical examination to ensure they are healthy and that there has not been any smoke inhalation or dehydrated.

Russell: There are 128 refuge bays at Kusasalethu Gold Mine, which are equipped with fresh water and fresh air and communication systems.

Russell: All employees below are equipped with self rescuers. This provides fresh air to employees for a period of time, which enables them to get to refuge bays.

Russell: Employees are not only trained to deal with situations like this, but they are also equipped.

Harmony Gold’s Charmane Russell talks to Fin24 about the safety training as well as resources below to assist miners in trouble: “There is a great deal of effort and energy spent on training.”  

  Harmony Gold's Charmane Russell said there would be investigations into the incident.

Kusasalethu employed 5 139 permanent and 1 302 contractors in 2014.

According to Harmony Gold, despite its erratic performance during 2013, Kusasalethu ranked among the most-improved of the South African operations as the mine’s continued production build-up resulted in it becoming the largest individual gold producer in the Harmony group. Gold production was up 71% on the year, a function of an increase in volumes milled and higher grades.

Kusasalethu mine, on the border of the Gauteng and North West provinces, comprises twin vertical and twin sub-vertical shaft systems. Mining uses conventional methods in a sequential grid layout. Ore mined is treated at the Kusasalethu plant.

Latest Harmony Gold press statement:

"Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited advises that 389 of the 486 employees working underground at the company’s Kusasalethu gold mine near Carletonville when a fire broke out this morning (Sunday, 22 February 2015) have been brought safely to surface.

"Specially trained rescue teams continue their efforts to rescue the remaining employees.The fire has now been contained. It is believed to have started during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler on 75 level, some 2 300 metres below surface, at around 09:40.

"All operations at the mine, other than those related to the rescue have been suspended."

A further 59 mine workers have been brought to the surface of the mine, according to Harmony Gold spokesperson Pam McLeod. That brings the total to 389 of mine workers brought to safety. There are still 97 mine workers below.

This is the location of the mining accident at Kusasalethu Gold mine, near Carletonville, about 75km west of Johannesburg.

So far four teams comprising 24 rescue workers in total are 2.3km underground on a rescue mission to bring the remaining 156 mine workers. A further six teams comprising about 36 rescue workers were on their way to join the operation.

The mine shaft at Kusasalethu Gold mine, where about 330 mine workers have been brought to safety. A further 156 mine workers remain unaccounted for. Rescue teams are currently on a mission over 2km below the surface to bring those mine workers to safety. (Photo: Harmony Gold)

Harmony Gold told Fin24 that reports have come in that a further 50 mine workers have been brought safely to the surface without any injuries. That means 330 of the total 486 mine workers who were 2 300m below surface have now been brought to the surface.

Harmony Gold has announced that 280 people have now been brought safely to surface, with no casualties or injuries reported.

Rescue workers on Sunday evening managed to bring to the surface 180 of the about 500 miners trapped by a fire at Kusasalethu Gold mine, near Carletonville.

Before the operation to start bringing mine workers to the surface, about 287 of the 486 workers had been confirmed safe in refuge bays underground, which are supplied with fresh air, water and telephone communication to surface."

"A fire started on the mine's 75 level, approximately 2 300m below surface, at around 09:40 this morning," Harmony said in a statement.

Mine rescue teams were also working to locate the other workers. The fire was in the process of being contained and ventilation flow to the fire was being sealed off.

A further six mine rescue teams had been called to assist.The fire was believed to have started during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler.

All operations at the mine had been suspended.