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Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has noted with concern media reports relating to mining companies Sibanye and AngloGold Ashanti, on the critical matter of health and safety in the mining sector.

It is unfortunate that both companies are choosing to repeatedly suggest, through their utterances in the media, that they are refusing to comply with the mining laws of the country.

This is especially concerning given the fact that the platinum and gold sectors were the biggest contributors to fatalities in 2016. Together, these two companies were responsible for the death of nineteen (19) mineworkers in 2016.

Section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act is intended to safeguard the lives of employees, and any company can in terms of Section 57 of the Act appeal the Department's decision and reasons for issuing a Section 54 notice.

“Profit-making and the health and safety of workers are not mutually exclusive and it is unacceptable that these companies are choosing to cheapen the lives of mineworkers in this manner,” Minister Zwane said.

“Health and safety should be a priority for all stakeholders in the industry, and we are clear that if companies cannot mine safely, they should not be mining at all, and should allow other potential holders who will respect the laws of our country, to continue mining.”

The Minister has not yet received the summons from Sibanye, and is this unable to comment on the details at this stage.

Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources