Thokozani Sikhakhae is 20 years old and works as a security guard at ERPM Cason Shaft. The mine was originally established in 1896 and was one of the deepest mines in the world at 3585 meters deep. ERPM is situated on the Witwatersrand Basin near the town of Boksburg, 25km to the east of Johannesburg. It was established as an underground mining operation more than 100 years ago. Underground mining was suspended in October 2008 following the cessation of the pumping of underground water for safety reasons. Following the death of two employees overcome by carbon monoxide at the SWV Shaft on 19 September 2008, underground pumping at ERPM had to be discontinued. This led to the suspension of underground drilling and blasting on 31 October 2008. A process is in place to try to find an economic solution to the problem but with no success so far. Consultations are being held with union representatives to determine the future of the mineâs workforce.