South Africa mine collapse kills 14 illegal miners near Rustenburg

Tuesday 11 August 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

South Africa mine collapse kills 14 illegal miners near Rustenburg

Fourteen illegal miners have died after a section of an abandoned mine collapsed near Rustenburg in South Africa, police said on Tuesday, highlighting the continuing dangers faced by people working in the country's disused mining sites.

Eight other miners were seriously injured in the incident, according to a police spokesperson cited by AFP.

The collapse occurred near Rustenburg, approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, an area with a long history of mining activity.

Illegal mining remains widespread

South Africa has struggled for years with illegal mining, with informal miners entering abandoned or inactive shafts in search of valuable minerals, particularly gold.

The practice, often referred to locally as “zama zama” mining, exposes workers to unstable underground structures, poor ventilation, flooding and other serious hazards.

Disused mines can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of structural failures for people entering shafts without professional safety equipment or official supervision.

Fourteen miners confirmed dead

Police confirmed that 14 miners died following the collapse.

Eight additional miners sustained serious injuries and required medical attention, according to authorities.

The incident once again draws attention to the dangers associated with entering abandoned mine workings, where conditions can be difficult to assess and emergency access is often limited.

Details about the identities of those killed and the precise circumstances that led to the collapse had not immediately been released.

A persistent challenge for authorities

Illegal mining remains a complex issue in South Africa, combining economic hardship, abandoned industrial infrastructure and the continued value of the country's mineral resources.

Many informal miners enter old shafts hoping to recover deposits left behind by commercial operations. Some operations involve organised networks, while others are carried out by individuals seeking income in areas where formal employment opportunities are limited.

The risks can be particularly severe when miners work deep underground without proper structural assessments or safety measures.

The latest deaths are likely to renew attention on efforts to secure abandoned mine sites and prevent people from entering dangerous shafts.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the collapse and assessing the condition of the affected mine.