The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is disturbed and highly saddened by the fatal incident where four mineworkers lost their lives at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Burnstone Mine in Balfour, Mpumalanga.

According to the preliminary report, the incident happened yesterday during the installation of a pulley on the west conveyer.

The incident involved the use of a 140 ton crane to lift the pulley from the ground and place it in position. As the pulley was being aligned, the gantry collapsed resulting in death of four workers while one worker sustained multiple injuries.

“As the NUM we are demanding an immediate investigations on the incident. No stone should be left unturned as one death is one too many”, said Masibulele Naki, NUM National Health and Safety Secretary.

The NUM convey its deepest condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the deceased mineworkers. We also wish a speedy recovery to the worker who sustained multiple injuries.

 

Issued by NUM