Issued by: The Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs
Pretoria
Thursday 18 May 1995
ACCIDENTS AT VAAL REEFS AND HARTEBEESFONTEIN MINES
I was appalled at the news of the separate mining accidents at the Vaal Reefs and Hartebeesfontein Mines today. Coming as they do so soon after the major disaster which cost the lives of 104 miners at No 2 shaft of the Vaal Reefs Mine last week, this is a grievous blow which underlines yet again the need for a speedy and thorough revision of the safety regime on our mines. It also underlines the urgency with which a culture of safety must be inculcated in our mining industry.
At twenty minutes past midnight last night, a tramming team leader at the Hartebeesfontein Gold Mine was killed when he was crushed between a side wall and a locomotive. At 10h00 this morning a machine driller at the No 9 shaft of the Vaal Reefs Mine was killed when struck by a rock which fell from the roof of a horizontal tunnel. Investigations into both accidents were instituted immediately and I have asked for a Report on both incidents to be made to me immediately these investigations have been completed.
The Government is determined to improve safety on the mines. The present state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. It is painfully frustrating that even while new measures are being drawn up and are due to be introduced, miners are being injured and lives are being lost. We are moving as fast as we can.
Once again, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. Even though mining is a hazardous calling and accidents occur throughout the world, we dare not rest until we can be sure that every possible measure has been taken to minimise the dangers.
Until the new measures are in place, I appeal to all the stakeholders in our mining industry to take special care to ensure that this litany of accident, injury and death comes to an end.
ENQUIRIES: ROLAND DARROLL
Phone: (o) (012) 322 8695
(021) 462 2310
(h) (012) 43 3394