As the mining sector continues to pursue zero harm, the industry has recorded progress in terms of health and safety despite challenges.

Speaking at the Mine Health and Safety Summit, on September 17, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe highlighted that the industry recorded 42 fatalities in 2024, marking the lowest fatalities in the history of South African mining.

He noted that this record was further improved in 2025, with 41 fatalities.

“However, even as we acknowledge this progress, we must bear in mind that these are not merely numbers. These are lives lost in the line of duty. These were breadwinners who left behind families to fend for themselves,” he said.

He explained that the 2024 statistics indicated that the platinum sector recorded 18 fatalities, followed by gold with 12, coal with six, chrome with three, diamonds with two and other mines with one.

In 2025, gold was the largest contributor with 21 fatalities, followed by platinum with 11, chrome with three and coal with two.

Regrettably, as of September 14, he noted that the South African mining industry had recorded 49 fatalities. Of these, three are classified as miscellaneous fatalities, referring to cases where the cause of death has not yet been determined.

“We, therefore, urge the industry to expedite investigations into these fatalities and ensure the timely finalisation of the causes of death. Establishing the circumstances surrounding each fatality is essential to strengthening preventative measures and advancing our collective commitment to zero harm,” said Mantashe.

By September 14 this year, the platinum sector accounted for 18 fatalities, followed by gold with 17 and diamonds with five.

In essence, Mantashe said platinum and gold collectively accounted for more than 70% of all fatalities recorded this year alone, demonstrating the continued concentration of fatal risks within these two sectors.

Mantashe highlighted various challenges that needed to be addressed.

This includes the issue of contract work, with the Minister saying statistics showed a correlation between the increase in contract workers in the mines and the increase in fatalities.

Another emerging challenge was the issue of mineworkers who lost their lives while commuting to and from work, Mantashe asserted.

Additionally, the Minister noted that an equally important issue that needed to be dealt with was the conduct of mine owners who, after an accident had occurred at their operations, filed for liquidation in an attempt to shift responsibility, he posited.

“These issues remain a concern to us and underscore the need for sustained and comprehensive health and safety measures in South African mines,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mantashe added that non-communicable diseases, including mental health disorders, remained a major cause of medical incapacity and fatalities in the industry.

“If we are to improve the health and safety of mineworkers and achieve our goal of zero harm, we must work together to address these challenges, promote a culture of health and wellness and ensure that workers receive the necessary support and care.

“This summit must, therefore, move beyond a mere assessment of progress against the milestones adopted in previous summits. We must move towards a clear programme of action that will take us to zero harm,” he said, adding that workers must also take responsibility for their own health and safety.

Mantashe highlighted that the Mine Health and Safety Act gave every mineworker a legal right to leave, or refuse to enter, a dangerous working place, noting that this right applied to every mineworker, whether a full-time or contract worker.

“It is your right. Exercise it. Do so for your own health and safety,” he said.

“As government, we recommit to working with all social partners – business, labour, and communities – to enforce health and safety at our mines,” he concluded.