Mining Weekly reports that the latest safety performance report by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) found that SA had the highest fatality rate last year, accounting for 50% of all fatalities globally.
The country recorded 22 fatalities from 422-million hours worked. The council’s 2020 safety performance report for the global mining industry, published on 8 June, found that 44 occupational fatalities occurred in 2020. This compared with 287 fatalities in 2019 and 50 fatalities in 2018. The 2019 figure included the 250 lives lost in the Brumadinho talings dam collapse, in Brazil. Last year, 12 fatalities were caused by fall-of-ground incidents, while eight were related to mobile equipment and transportation accidents. The council explained that injury from fall-of-ground incidents was the most common occupational injury in the SA mining industry, owing to the prevalence of deep, high-stress mines in the country. ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dawan commented that the industry must do better. He noted that the 44 deaths in 2020 were a stark reminder of the relentless efforts required to eliminate fatalities and achieve zero harm goals. He called for strong leadership, an embedded zero fatalities mindset and for thorough risk assessments to be undertaken.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly
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