Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu has warned that government will not tolerate inferior safety measures and will act firmly against those who are guilty of putting mineworkers’ lives at risk.
She also called on the mining industry to ensure that new technologies were developed and used to improve safety standards. It was also crucial that safety standards were complied with to reduce fatalities and injuries, she said.
Shabangu was speaking in Rustenburg, North West province, at a memorial service for five employees of Aquarius Platinum who tragically died in a mine accident last week.
“Profits must be balanced with the interests of workers and I want to make it clear that those who cannot mine safely must not mine at all,” Shabangu told thousands of workers and mine managers.
“I want to appeal to both management and workers to ensure that safety standards are improved and that everyone complies.
Shabangu said the tripartite Mine Health and Safety Council would have to work together to resolve health and safety challenges in the mining industry without making money an obstacle to finding solutions.
“I want organised labour, business and government, as represented at the Mine Health and Safety Council, to revisit health and safety standards and I urge all parties to cooperate,” Shabangu said.
The minister also implored mine health and safety inspectors to fast-track the finalisation of investigations and inquiries.
Shabangu said she would be holding a meeting with the CEOs of platinum mining companies tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss mine health and safety issues. However, she said shareholders would also have to take responsibility.
“It is not enough call the CEOs of these companies. The shareholders, those who benefit from the profits, must also account for what is happening at their mines,” she said.
Minister Shabangu also spent time greeting and comforting the families of the deceased. “May their souls rest in peace.”
For more information contact:
Jeremy Michaels
Cell: 082 772 1122
E-mail: jeremy.michaels@dmr.gov.za
