STILFONTEIN — The death toll has risen to 36 after bodies were pulled from an abandoned gold mine in South Africa, where fears persist that many more remain trapped underground despite months of efforts to force illegal miners to leave.

Since Monday, 82 survivors have been rescued, but they face arrest on charges of illegal mining, trespassing, and immigration violations, said police Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

The mine, once part of South Africa's vast gold industry, has been overtaken by illegal miners, many from neighboring countries, seeking to survive by scavenging for gold.

Operations to remove the miners began in August, and to date, 1,576 people have left the shaft, with 1,555 of them being foreigners. Despite restrictions on food and water supplies, hundreds may still be underground, though exact numbers remain unclear.

Community leader Johannes Qankase reported that the miners are in dire health, suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. A court ruling in November mandated the resumption of aid drops, but many remain critically ill.

Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe, visiting the site, said the miners were "foot soldiers" working for those who profit from illegal gold mining and called for accountability from those who benefit from the trade.

With South Africa's gold mines extending kilometers underground, the rescue operation continues, though survivors report harsh conditions of hunger and dehydration.