The New Age reports that, with the lives of more than 50 mine workers having been claimed since January this year, mining unions have called for the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to take strong action against companies where fatal accidents have occurred.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) general secretary Livhuwani Mammburu said that it was unacceptable for mine workers to continue to die and no action was taken against companies involved. Solidarity Paul Mardon appealed to mining companies and workers to comply at all times with safety measures in order to prevent accidents. Chamber of Mines CEO Roger Baxter said they were disappointed to note that the mining industry had lost traction in its journey towards zero harm in the first half of this year. “Following a remarkable safety performance in 2015, this regression is very concerning to the Chamber of Mines. Chamber of Mines President Mike Teke has written to mining company CEOs urging heightened vigilance and focus on safety and health in the coming months,” Baxter said.
- Read this report by Batandwa Malingo in full at The New Age
- Read too, Mines of death, on page 10 of City Press of 31 July 2016
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