/ 22 May 2012

Dozens of miners trapped underground at Zimplats mine

Mimosa mine.
Mimosa mine.
At least 20 workers were rescued after a fire broke out at the mine, a union official said on Tuesday.
 
National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe president Shadreck Polowelo said the miners were “safe” and rescue operations were progressing well.
 
“Some equipment caught fire and this resulted in the workers being trapped inside the mine,” Polowelo told the Mail & Guardian. “However, the situation is under control. We are on top of the situation. All the trapped workers are safe, we are now trying to have them rescued.”
 
Mimosa mine management was not reachable for comment.
 
Mimosa is Zimbabwe’s second largest mine, after Zimplats, which is majority owned by Impala Platinum. The mine has been one of the best performers in the Aquarius group.