Mineworker dies at AngloGold’s Tau Lekoa mine

[miningmx.com] — The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Thursday reported a fatality at AngloGold Ashanti’s Tau Lekoa mine in Matlosana – formerly Klerksdorp.

The trade union said the mineworker lost his life on Thursday morning after an explosion at the mine’s number 10 shaft.

This is the second mining accident reported by the South African mining industry in as many days.

Aquarius Platinum reported a fall of ground accident at the Marikana operation in Rustenburg claimed the lives of five and injured another on Tuesday evening.

A seventh mineworker escaped unharmed.

“We are distraught that at a time when we are to begin an in loco inspection here at Aquarius, there is another who loses his life somewhere,” said NUM chairperson for health and safety Peter Bailey.

The NUM said it was “shocked and highly perturbed” by the rising numbers of mine deaths at AngloGold in particular and the mining industry in general.

“We need serious intervention from both the state and the mining industry. Workshops alone cannot help resolve the spate of mining accidents. Action should speak louder than words,” said Bailey.

The NUM called for “stiff action” from the Department of Mineral Resources.