Miners trapped underground at a Sibanye-Stillwater gold mine in South Africa began returning to the surface on Friday after an accident damaged the hoist system at the Kloof 7 shaft, one of the company’s deepest operations located about 60 kilometers west of Johannesburg.

Out of 260 miners affected, 79 had been safely brought to the surface by early Friday afternoon, the company said. The remaining 181 workers were reported to be safe and provided with food while they waited to be hoisted up once safety checks were completed.

A Sibanye spokesperson stated that the rescue process was expected to be completed soon. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred during the incident. “There were no injuries, which is a relief,” said Duncan Luvuno, Health and Safety Chairperson of the National Union of Mineworkers. “But going nearly 24 hours without food or water is unacceptable, especially for those with chronic illnesses.”

Although media access to the shaft area was restricted, a Reuters reporter observed some of the rescued miners—tired but in good condition—boarding buses near the company’s perimeter.

Family members of those still underground expressed fear and frustration. “I haven’t slept a wink,” said Mamodise Mokone, whose husband was among the workers. “I just want my husband out alive.”

Sibanye confirmed earlier that all the miners were safe and gathered at a designated assembly point during the hoisting delay.

The Kloof 7 shaft reaches depths of around two miles and accounts for roughly 14% of Sibanye’s total gold production. The company also mines platinum-group metals in South Africa and the United States.

Mining incidents remain a concern in South Africa, where abandoned shafts often attract illegal mining operations. Earlier this year, at least 78 bodies were recovered from one such site after police disrupted a long-standing illegal operation.