Minister Mosebenzi Zwane visits Lily Gold Mine following mine accident

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane (MP) will, today, lend his support and leadership at the Lily Gold Mine, following a mine accident at around 8h00. The Minister will be joining the department’s inspectors who are on site.

It is reported that at the start of the morning shift, the main crown pillar collapsed into the underground open stopes trapping miners at the mine owned by Vantage Goldfields Limited.

Minister Zwane has expressed concern that the sector is experiencing serious incidents and fatalities so early in the year, and has called for employers and employees to be vigilant in matters relating to the health and safety of workers.

Mine worker and safety is of primary importance to the Minister. Zero harm is an objective that Minister Zwane places at a premium.  

“It is worrying that we are seeing such serious accidents so early in the year. We urge all parties to continue prioritising safety, so that we can realize our ultimate goal of zero harm. It is imperative that each mineworker returns home, unharmed, every day,” Minister Zwane said.

The Minister recently released health and safety statistics for the 2015 year, which showed fatalities at their lowest levels, and an overall improvement in the injury rate.

At the time of releasing the statement, workers who were underground had been rescued, and mine rescue services were in the process of locating and assisting three workers who remained trapped in the lamp-room (container) which collapsed in the fall of ground.

For media enquiries please contact:
Martin Madlala
Cell: 063 505 4199
E-mail: martin.madlala@dmr.gov.za

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