Mining Weekly reports that after mining house Sibanye-Stillwater recorded a fifth death at its Marikana platinum group metals (PGM) operations for 2021, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) called for an inquest into the high rate of fatalities in the SA mining industry.

On Tuesday the union alleged that the miner was “cutting corners in safety protocols” and claimed that government was failing to ensure the implementation of necessary health and safety protocols. The latest death happened when a rock-drill operator was killed by a dislodged rock while performing an early entry examination. This brings the total deaths in the mining sector for the year to date to 59, with Sibanye accounting for 13 fatalities at its gold and PGM operations in SA. According to AMCU, Sibanye’s Marikana operations are “proving to be the most dangerous mine to work in”. Following the latest fatality, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will perform an in loco investigation, after which Sibanye will be compelled to do its own investigation in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act. Commenting on the number of fatalities in the mining industry, Sibanye noted that "there has been a regression in fatal incidents across the South African mining industry during 2021" and said that it would continue to work together with all stakeholders to try and address the tragic trend.

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