Mineral and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe says R11.9m spent on the Stilfontein rescue operation in which nearly 100 illegal miners died underground and more than 1,800 were rescued more than a year ago has been repaid by the mine owner.
Mantashe was testifying in Johannesburg during the second leg of the national inquiry into the policy framework around artisanal mining, its impact on the human rights of surrounding communities, and the scope and tactics employed in Operation Vala Umgodi.
He told the inquiry that the rescue of illegal miners trapped underground was funded entirely by the mine owner.
