accident
24 March 2006
The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mrs Lindiwe Hendricks, has expressed
her concern about the fire that broke at shaft seven of the Hartebeesfontein
mine in Stilfontein on Wednesday night.
Speaking from Addis Ababa, where she is attending the African Union (AU)
First Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Electrical Energy,
Minister Hendricks said âI am deeply disturbed by what has occurred at the mine
and hope that safety standards were not compromised by the mine management. I
am, however, relieved that the miners were all rescued and would like to offer
our gratitude to the rescue team for their selflessness and perseverance.â
An in loco inspection will be conducted as soon as it is safe to do so and
will be followed by an investigation, which will be led by the Department of
Minerals and Energy. âWe will ensure that an investigation is concluded
speedily, so that we can get to the bottom of this accident and should it be
established that the lives of mineworkers were wilfully endangered, we will
ensure that the responsible parties are brought to book,â said the
Minister.
The Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy Lulu Xingwana and
Director-General Sandile Nogxina will visit the mine on Friday to visit the
affected workers and get a briefing on the accident.
Enquiries:
Ms Yvonne Mfolo
Chief Director: Communication
Tel: (012) 317 8185
Cell: 082 459 6862
E-mail: Yvonne.mfolo@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
24 March 2006
