Three Illegal Diamond Miners Die in Tunnel Collapse
April 19, 22
(IDEX Online) - Three illegal diamond miners died and 10 were rescued when a tunnel collapsed in Northern Cape, South Africa.
It happened at the Nuttaboy Mine, at Kliensee, an area known for illegal underground mining.
Last October four miners died at the same mine, when a shaft collapsed, trapping others 1,000 meters underground.
And in 2012 a tunnel collapsed at the nearby Bontekoe mine, killing 10 miners.
The latest tragedy has prompted renewed calls for mining to be legalized in the region. Community leader Paul Swartbooi told TDPel News the government: "The government must legalise the small-scale diamond miners in Namaland, so that people can work properly under the regulations, rules, and laws of the government.
"There are no jobs for our people. There is extreme poverty. So all the people who don't have jobs or income are willing to take chances to put bread on the table."