November 17, 2007, 05:15
A group of 40 miners were safely back on the surface by last night after a power outage left them stuck underground, said Simmer and Jack Mines (Simmers).
A massive wind and electrical storm destroyed the Eskom overhead power lines leading to number five shaft of Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, near Stilfontein, in the North West at 3pm, the company said in a statement.
"Twenty-seven workers were in the cage at the time," said Simmers' chief operating officer, Deon van der Mescht,
"Fortunately, we did not lose communications, and we were in constant contact with the men in the cage as well as the men on 26 and 28 Level, to let them know what had occurred and to reassure them that they were in no danger.
"There are no fatalities or injuries and we were able to keep the men informed throughout," he said.
Power was restored at 7pm. - Sapa
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