ActionSA extends its deepest condolences to the families of the 11 mineworkers who died earlier this week after an accident at Impala Platinum’s Rustenburg operations involving the conveyance cage that takes workers underground and back to the surface.  

We are also keeping the 75 injured miners, who are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals around Rustenburg, in our prayers. We wish all those affected a full and speedy recovery.

Mines around Rustenburg started in the 1930s, it is therefore important that mining houses in our province do a better job in improving the state of mining infrastructure, health and safety since these mines are incredibly old and possibly nearing the end of life their life cycles. 

ActionSA implores the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Impala Platinum and mining unions to diligently conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident so that the families of the deceased may find closure and that the outcomes be studied to improve safety and prevent future fatalities. 

This tragedy is a major setback to the mining sector in our province and we are saddened by the loss of life.

Issued by ActionSA