The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has advised of two fatalities having occurred in the mining industry on September 1.
The first being one at Harmony Gold’s Mponeng mine, in Gauteng, owing to a fall-of-ground incident, and the second at African Rainbow Minerals’ Two Rivers mine, in Limpopo, which the union understands to be a fall-of-ground incident as well.
The union has called on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to ensure that a thorough investigation is done at both sites.
Harmony has confirmed that an investigation into the incident at Mponeng is under way, while operations in the affected section have been suspended.
“The board, executives and management of Harmony wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our deceased colleague.
"It is of utmost importance that we ensure a safe working environment at all our operations, and we commit to providing the necessary support to the family in dealing with this unfortunate tragedy,” Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp comments.