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The Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe condemns the recent mining accident which occurred at the Sibanye-Stillwater yesterday, 11 June 2018. The Minister further called on the industry to strengthen safety measures. 

This is the seventh accident leading to fatalities at the Sibanye-Stillwater operations, making the company the biggest contributor to fatalities in the sector since the beginning of the year.

"It is a great concern to us that this accident has occurred soon after the disaster at the company's Driefontein operations just a month ago" the Minister said

"Health and safety of mineworkers and communities must receive our sharpest and special attention," the Minister continued 

"It is the primary responsibility of every employer to provide a safe working space for its workers. As government, we have a responsibility of enforcing the laws governing health and safety. Workers fought for the right to refuse to work in dangerous conditions, a right now contained in Section 23(1) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, and this right must be enforced"

"On behalf of the state, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased mineworkers."

Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources