EWN reports that according to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), the deaths of two workers at Harmony Gold’s Joel Mine in the Free State could have been avoided.
The fatalities occurred on Tuesday during a seismic-related fall of ground incident. The union said in a statement on Wednesday: “Amcu has received reports that seem to indicate negligence on the part of mine management. We are told that the specific area was not mined for around twenty years and that it was closed due to geological issues. Amcu is perturbed that management did not follow the standard start-up procedure, which would include a risk assessment and specifically an investigation of geological conditions.” Amcu called on the Department of Mineral Resources to ensure compliance and hasten its investigations “so that the causes of this tragic event can be determined.” The latest tragedy brings to 22 the total number of deaths of mineworkers since January this year.
- A short report by Clement Manyathela is at EWN
- Read Amcu’s press statement at Amcu online
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page