Mining Accident Leaves Thousands Stranded

Gold digging is a dirty, dangerous business, and not just for pirates anymore. Due to an accident in the South Africa's Elandsrand mine thousands of miners were stranded temporarily underground. According to Reuters, the accident should have an insignificant effect on the gold market since the mine did not produce all that much. Gold prices are determined by other factors besides supply, which include the current weak state of the dollar and investment demand, said market experts. The mine is the highest earner for the company that owns it, Harmony Gold, but doesn't produce much in relation to other companies. The South African Minister of Minerals and Energy Buyelwa Sonjica is ensuring that the mine is repaired properly by keeping it closed for a full six weeks. 3,200 miners were stranded due to a broken electricity cable in the main lift in the mine. There is a whole lot that goes into making the jewelry that is currently taking up residence in a box under the bed.