Buffelsfontein mine

Not to be confused with Buffelsfontein uranium mine.

The Buffelsfontein mine was one of the largest gold mines in South Africa and in the world.^[1] The mine is located in the North West Province, south of Stilfontein and south-east of Klerksdorp.^[2] The mine had estimated reserves of 11.02 million oz of gold.^[1]

Buffelsfontein mine

Location
Buffelsfontein mine Show map of North West (South African province) Buffelsfontein mine Show map of South Africa
Location	Stilfontein
Province	North West
Country	South Africa
Coordinates	26.906°S 26.806°E / -26.906; 26.806
Production
Products	Gold
History
Closed	2013
Owner
Company	Simmer & Jack Mines

Trapped miners incident

Main article: Stilfontein mine deaths

The mine ceased operations in 2013. After its closure, it became a site for illicit mining activity, with zama zamas attempting to extract remaining gold deposits in the abandoned shafts.^[3] In late 2024, hundreds of zama zamas became trapped in disused mine shafts at the mine^[4][5] after law enforcement blocked key exit shafts, trapping miners underground. Several dozen miners died of starvation and dehydration before their rescue in January 2025.^[6]