The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources has noted confirmed reports that the body of a miner has been found at Impala Mine in Rustenburg.
“The Committee wishes to extend its condolences to the family of the miner. This is the toughest time for any family and condolences are the toughest words to utter to anyone,” the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources Chairperson, Mr Sahlulele Luzipho, said.
“We share in their pain, particularly as there is a good chance that the miner was a bread winner in the family. The Committee will continually raise the matter of mine safety and improved methods of doing the work in the mines without compromising jobs.” He urged the mining industry to continue innovating in the area of safety.
Two rock drill operators went missing earlier in the week when a fall of ground at Impala Rustenburg’s 1 Shaft on Tuesday resulted in the collapse of the shaft. Another operator remains trapped and the search is still ongoing.
“These incidents confirm the resolve of the Committee that legislation around issues of health and safety in mines ought to be tightened. Mining in South Africa should not to be like going to war, where death is a legitimate and real expectation,” Mr Luzipho said.
“It cannot be profits at all cost. We all have a responsibility not only to ensure the welfare of miners, but also that they do not lose their lives while actively working in the mines,” he said.
He called on workers not to be intimidated by these incidents, but to continue going to work to look after their families and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
