Minister of Mining Susan Shabangu has learnt with shock of the death today (Monday) of 36 miners at an illegal mining operation in Welkom, Free State.
"I am saddened by the deaths of 36 miners who perished whilst they were allegedly involved in illegal mining of an abandoned mine," Minister Shabangu said.
"The South African Government will not condone illicit mining, but these are human lives that have been lost; children have been orphaned and women have been widowed. I would therefore like to extend sympathies to the families of the bereaved," she said.
Minister Shabangu announced that she would be visiting Welkom tomorrow, Tuesday, 2 June 2009, with the Premier of Free State between 10h00 and 12h00 to assess for herself the situation and the measures put in place by her department to deal with the issue of illicit mining, following which she would host a media conference to brief journalists on the outcome.
Enquiries:
Jeremy Michaels
Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 082 772 1122
Issued by: Ministry of Mining
1 June 2009
