24 October 2006
It is with deep regret that Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, Honourable Minister of
Mineral and Energy, has received news of the tragic accident which has occurred
at Tau Tona Mine, Anglo Gold Ashanti (Carltonville), on 23 October 2006, at
about 14h00.
Seven stope workers were trapped by rocks when seismic events of 2,3 and 2,0
magnitudes occurred in the 97/64 west three panel working place. Two of the
employees were rescued by the rescue team. The search for other five employees
is still continuing. The Inspectors of Mines will be working 24 hours around
the clock checking and monitoring the emergency processes in the mines control
room.
The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, is most concerned
by the totally unacceptable number of miners that are dying at South African
mines. In 2003 the mining industry through the Mine Health and Safety Council
(MHSC) and its alliance partners, which include employers, labour and the
state, set a goal of improving mine related injuries by 20 percent per
annum.
In view of an industry accepted target of zero fatalities, gold mines, which
have reached a plateau, are the worst performers and have deteriorated by 18,5
percent from a fatality rate per million hours worked of 0,27 to 0,32. For the
last few months coal mines (0,11) and other mines (0,18) also show no sign of
improvement.
Minister Sonjica will be visiting the Tau Tona Mine today, Tuesday, 24
October 2006, in order to give support and get a briefing from Mine Management
on the accident.
The Minister wishes a speedy recovery to the injured people.
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Tel: (012) 317 8086/8185
Fax: (012) 322 0810
Cell: 082 571 4310/082 773 2388
E-mail: bontle.mafuna@dme.gov.za
Mr Siyabonga Kheswa
Tel: (012) 317 8518
Fax: (012) 322 49540
Cell: 082 449 4493
E-mail: Siyabonga.kheswa@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
24 October 2006
