UPDATE - South African mine workers rescued

REVISES HEADLINE, DECK AND LEDE, ADDS INFORMATION THROUGHOUT

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - All 1,800 workers who had been trapped at an underground platinum mine in South Africa’s North West province have been rescued, its operator said late Tuesday.

“Sibanye-Stillwater is pleased to advise that all underground employees at its Thembelani shaft have been safely hoisted from the 14th level after a shaft inspection confirmed that it was safe to do so,” the mining company’s spokesman, James Wellsted, said in a statement.

The workers were trapped Monday afternoon after some rails that were being transported underground became loose and collapsed the shaft, which is located in the city of Rustenburg.

“There have been no serious injuries reported and all employees are safe,” the company said.

Mining safety standards in South Africa, one of the world's largest producers of gold and other precious metals, have been called into question following a number of fatalities at mines across the country.

South Africa also has one of the world’s deepest mines.