Gold producer Simmer & Jack on Thursday reported that a fatal accident at its Buffelsfontein mine, in the North West province, had claimed the life of one miner.

The incident took place at the number two shaft in the early hours of Wednesday. Investigations by management, organised labour, and the Department of Minerals and Energy were ongoing, and the company said it appeared to have been a tramming-related incident.

Operations were not affected and the mine and the shaft were open.

Simmers & Jack spokesperson Gail Strauss said that initial investigations into the accident suggested that human error caused the accident, and that management would ensure that training was up to scratch.

"We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wish to assure them of the company’s support in this difficult time," said Simmers & Jack CEO Gordon Miller.

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