Mbeki to receive mine safety audit report soon

By: Mariaan Olivier

President Thabo Mbeki would receive a report on the safety status of South Africa’s mining industry before the end of July, Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said on Friday.

The report would cover the findings and recommendations from audits conducted on 333 high-risk mines.

Mbeki ordered a national mine safety audit late last year, following an incident in which 3 200 workers were trapped underground at a Harmony Gold mine.

In a speech delivered to Parliament, Sonjica reported that 71 miners had died since the beginning of 2008 to the end of May. In the same period last year, the industry had recorded 96 fatalities.

“This figure excludes hundreds of people who have been permanently maimed during mine accidents. I have repeatedly expressed my extreme displeasure in the many interactions I have been having with the mining industry. They [mining companies] should not, and cannot, put profits before human lives. We expect CEOs of mining companies to take personal charge and responsibility with regard to safety in their operations,” she said.

Editor: Creamer Media Reporter