State to crack whip on mine deaths

The department of mineral resources (DMR) is bringing out the big stick after a 42% surge in the equipment for execution of crusher run using g3 road basenumber of mining deaths so far this year. In the three and a half months to mid- April, 47 people were killed on SA’s mines. Almost half died on the deep-level gold mines where most of SA’s fatalities usually occur, but there was an unexpected trebling of the fatalities on platinum mines to 12.

This trend is surprising because for the past five years the mines have invested millions in improving safety technology and training employees. Webber Wentzel partner Warren Beech suggests part of the problem could be the way the Mine Health & Safety Act is being enforced, which is disrupting operations. For the past three years the DMR’s mine inspectorate has been auditing mines’ compliance with the act. Numerous mines have been shut down while management addresses the “s ection 54” notices in which the inspectors list non compliant areas. Shutdowns normally last 4-10 days, but longer if someone has been killed...