Issued by: Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs
Pretoria, Wednesday 27 September 1995
I am distressed to hear of the methane explosion which occurred at the Elandsrand Gold Mine at about midnight last night. My sincere sympathies go to the families and friends of those who have died and also to those who were injured.
I have been in touch with the Government Mining Engineer who is at the mine. I am expecting a report on the accident during the course of the day.
The Government is striving to meet the risks inherent in mining with the most effective safety measures possible. I have specifically requested all structures reconstituted or set up by the Leon Commission into Mine Safety & Health to give their work and responsibilities the highest priority.
The tripartite principle, involving Government, Labour and Management, is being increasingly applied to ensure that employers consult with their employees and employee organisations on mine safety.
I instructed the Government Mining Engineer and his staff earlier this year not to wait for the new structures to be in place, nor for the new MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT to become law, before applying the Leon Commission recommendations. I have appealed to the Chamber of Mines and mine management to do the same.
Appointment of Trainee Mine Inspectors
The present shortage of mine inspectors limits the Government Mining Engineer Division's ability to supervise and control mine safety and health. Various Commissions of Enquiry have ascribed this shortage to, INTER ALIA, poor remuneration when compared with the mining industry and lack of proper training opportunities. Yet their role is crucial.
The restructuring of the Government Mining Engineer's Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate in order to improve its effectiveness is being implemented. In addition, my proposal that the Department of Mineral & Energy Affairs initiate a programme to appoint and train fifty mine inspector candidates was approved by Cabinet today following approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at its meeting last Wednesday.
The cost of the Project will average an estimated R 2,5 million per year for the next three years.
Enquiries: Roland Darroll
Phone: (o) (012) 322 8695 (h) (012) 43 3394 (cellular) 082 552 7994