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Last South African Miners Freed

Minister vows to 'tighten up' mine safety laws, shuts down mine for 6 weeks

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 4, 2007 7:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – The last of more than 3,200 workers were lifted from a South African mine today after more than a day underground, BBC reports. "It was terrible," said one miner. "There was not enough air and they tried putting in more and ventilating the areas where we were trapped." The men were hauled out in groups of 75 without any serious injuries.

A federal minister vowed to "tighten up" mine safety rules and said the Harmony Gold Mining facility will be closed for a 6-week inspection. "I wouldn't call it a crisis given that mining is risky in its nature," the minister said, but a miners' rep blamed a non-stop work schedule for taking precedence over safety checks. "Our guys there tell us that they have raised concerns," the rep said.

Miners walk past that were trapped at Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 1,700 trapped gold miners have been rescued during a dramatic all-night operation and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring hundreds more terrified and exhausted workers to the surface.(AP/Photo...
Miners walk past that were trapped at Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 1,700 trapped gold miners have been rescued during a dramatic all-night operation...   (Associated Press)
Miners jubilate as they come into the daylight after being trapped deep underground over night at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.  More than 2,000 trapped gold miners have been rescued during a dramatic all-night operation and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring...
Miners jubilate as they come into the daylight after being trapped deep underground over night at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 2,000 trapped...   (Associated Press)
Two of the miners who were trapped overnight, smile as they are greeted at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 1,700 trapped gold miners have been rescued during a dramatic all-night operation and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring hundreds more...
Two of the miners who were trapped overnight, smile as they are greeted at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 1,700 trapped gold miners have been...   (Associated Press)
Miners alight from a lift after being trapped deep underground over night at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007.  More than 2,000 trapped gold miners have been rescued during a dramatic all-night operation and efforts gathered speed Thursday to bring hundreds more terrified...
Miners alight from a lift after being trapped deep underground over night at the Elandsrand Gold mine near Carletonville, South Africa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. More than 2,000 trapped gold miners have...   (Associated Press)
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