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We learnt with deep sadness yesterday evening of the death of four mineworkers at Impala Platinum’s Shaft 14 in Rustenburg. It is our understanding that a fire broke out underground during a shift on Friday 22nd January 2016.

Rescue operations succeeded in locating and evacuating all but four of the employees who were on duty on that day. The families of those who have lost their lives have been informed and some of them are with us today. I wish to once again convey my sincerest condolences to them for their loss.

In terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, I have instructed that an investigation should commence urgently, to determine what led to the incident. Furthermore, no mining will take place until the Department has declared the area safe for workers.

We met earlier with the mine management to express our concern on health and safety, and agreed that the investigation will assist all of us to understand exactly what transpired.

As the Regulator of the mining industry, we take matters of health and safety extremely seriously. It is thus a serious concern to us when incidents such as these take place. We have always maintained that the loss of one life, is one too many, and the goal for every mining operation should be that every worker returns home unharmed every single day.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility – we therefore urge employers and employees alike to continue to prioritize health and safety. As the Regulator we will continue to enforce compliance with the Act, in order to ensure that mining-related deaths, injuries and ill health are reduced, and ultimately, that we reach our goal of “zero harm”.

Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources