SOUTH African mines minister, Gwede Mantashe, called for “increased vigilance” in respect of mine safety following an increase in fatalities last year – the first increase in ten years – and the occurrence of more this year, including three deaths this week.
Harmony Gold said two employees had been killed this week while another life was lost at the platinum mining premises of Sibanye-Stillwater bringing to 22 the total number of fatalities recorded in the first quarter of 2018.
Mantashe urged employers and labour to “… continue to work with the Department [of Mineral Resources] in finding solutions to health and safety matters at the mines, through established structures including the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC)”.
In 2017, fatalities increased for the first time in ten years, where 88 mineworkers lost their lives, compared to 73 in 2016, said the DMR in a statement.
“Turning the tide on fatalities in the sector is the responsibility of all social partners – Government, labour and business – and is critical for the sustainability of the mining industry in the long term,” said Mantashe.
