JOHANNESBURG - The High Court has ordered mine rescue operations to immediately begin at Shafts 10 and 11 of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein.
This follows an urgent application by Zinzi Tom, whose brother is among the hundreds of miners who have been underground since July last year.
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The court directed the State to finalise agreements with Mine Rescue Services on Friday.
This enables the release of funds needed to deploy rescue teams and equipment.
While it's unclear when operations will begin, Mine Rescue Services has assured the court that it is ready to act as soon as payment is received.
The Judge also mandated the uninterrupted delivery of food, water and medical aid to the miners, emphasising the constitutional right to life and dignity.
Rescue efforts are expected to begin without further delays.