The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is saddened by the loss of lives at the Impala Mine Shaft 11 disaster in Rustenburg, North West province.
On Monday 27 November 2023, the DMRE’s Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate received a report that a serious safety incident had occurred at the shaft, resulting in injuries and sadly loss of lives. Upon receiving the report, the DMRE inspectors and Mine Rescue Services immediately attended the site for assessment and rescue mission.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe (MP), has also visited the shaft and received a briefing on what transpired. The reports are that 86 mineworkers were in the conveyance cage when the accident occurred, and at least 11 mineworkers lost their lives.
We send our condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased mineworkers, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured mineworkers.
“We have 11 people who have lost their lives. We are mourning the passing of these mineworkers and sympathize with the families. This is a disaster which will require a thorough investigation in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act. It has dented our efforts to move to zero harm. We will continue investing in improving mine health and safety so that people must go to work and come back alive” said Minister Mantashe.
The DMRE calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that each employee in South Africa’s mining sector returns home unharmed every day. The health and safety of mineworkers remain a key priority for the government, as we tirelessly work towards achieving Zero Harm in South African mines. After all, it is workers who make the country’s mining sector thrive as a sunrise industry.
For enquiries:
E-mail: mediadesk@dmre.gov.za
