Mining Weekly reports that the safety performance of precious-metals mining company Sibanye-Stillwater improved markedly in the three months ended 30 September owing to ongoing safety interventions gaining traction at all operations.  

The tragic safety incidents in the first half of the year, compounded by seismicity-impacted areas requiring rehabilitation, had, however, resulted in a lowered 2018 gold production forecast.  CEO Neal Froneman, said the quarter’s safety improvement had been assisted by continuing tripartite cooperation and input from key stakeholders, arising from successful safety summits.  “The focus on safe production remains the highest priority across the group,” Froneman said, adding that the South African operations achieved more than 2.7-million fatality-free shifts as at 31 October.  Sibanye-Stillwater said it intended to defend itself vigorously against class action lawsuits relating to statements on safety practices.  Meanwhile, the Competition Tribunal hearing on Sibanye-Stillwater’s proposed acquisition of Lonmin Plc has been rescheduled for the week of 12 November, with a ruling anticipated before the end of November.  Also, Sibanye-Stillwater now owns 38.05% of surface mining company DRDGold, with an option to attain up to 50.1%  

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