Elandsrand (Afrikaans for "eland ridge") is a small mining town approximately 10 km (6 mi) outside Carletonville next to Blyvooruitzicht.

[2] Elandsrand mine is 8 km (5 mi) from Carltonville near Western Deep Levels to the East and Deelkraal to the West.

The incident trapping the miners occurred in the service shaft when a 15-meter section of compressed air pipe burst and fell to the shaft bottom, in the process damaging steel shaft guides, and electrical lines which cut off power to the hoist on the service cage.

[3] The cages in the service shaft are of a 3 deck configuration with a capacity of about 150 personnel, and are capable of operating at speeds of 50 km (31 mi) per hour.

Due to this fact a smaller cage with a slower hoisting speed was used in the skip compartments.