Posted on 02/01/2018 10:21:57 AM PST by BenLurkin
[A] storm caused a power cut and blocked their way out. Without electricity, the lifts could not bring night shift workers to the surface, but they "appear to be fine", a spokesman for their employer said.
He said about 65 miners have so far been rescued and all are accounted for.
South Africa is a leading gold producer, but the industry has often been accused of a poor safety record. The Beatrix mine is in Welkom town, about 290km (180 miles) south-west of Johannesburg. It is owned by Sibanye-Stillwater mining firm.
It has 23 levels, going down to 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) below ground.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Praying for safety of All and Their Families.
Wow! I'm reminded of that "Star Trek" episode, "The Devil in the Dark".
SPOCK: Mister Vanderberg, may I ask at which level you discovered the nodules of silicon?
VANDERBERG: The twenty-third. Why?
Commander Giotto, take your detail. Go directly to the twenty-third level. Start your search there.
GIOTTO: Aye, aye, sir. May I ask if you have reason to suspect this creature may be on that level?
KIRK: It's one of the possibilities we've discussed. (to Vanderberg) I want your people to stay on the top level, together at a safe place.
VANDERBERG: I don't know any safe place, Captain, the way that thing comes and goes.
KIRK: Well, gentlemen, you have your instructions. Let's get at it.
They don’t have backup generators?
Guess the company never heard of generators.
Since the workers are ok, then they can get in an extra shift of work.
Plot for “Gold” sequel.
I don’t know which is worse... being a thousand feet above ground level, or a thousand feet below.
I lived in SA for several years in the mid 80s. Dont recall which mining company it was but several miners thought they would sneak away unnoticed and catch a few ZZs in inoperative elevator car.
The one they picked was slated for what was called a free fall brake test.....the car could be remotely controlled and apparantly the car was dropped 1000ft and the brakes applied, raised up and dropped again.
By the time all the screaming was heard they said the African miners had turned white.
No backup generator??
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