ANA reports that trade union Solidarity on Thursday said that the number of mining fatalities recorded in 2016 had shown no significant improvement compared with those of 2015.  

According to data announced by the Minister of Mineral Resources, 73 miners died in SA mines in 2016, compared with the 77 miners who had died in 2015.  The three mineworkers whose bodies remain trapped underground at Lily Mine were not included in the statistics because “an inquiry is still underway”.  Also not available were statistics of fatalities that occurred as part of illegal mining activities.  Solidarity’s Paul Mardon said that 2016 was a disappointing year as far as health and safety in mines was concerned and that the number of fatalities and injuries remained unacceptably high.  He also said it appeared that the mining industry was losing its focus and commitment as far as health and safety was concerned.

• Read this report in full at eNCA
• Read Solidarity’s press statement in this regard at Solidarity online

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