7 Sibanye employees died in Driefontein operations!
Sibanye-Stillwater announced that all 13 of its employees who were trapped underground at its Masakhane mine, Driefontein operations had been recovered and brought to surface by mine rescue personnel. Six of the employees, were successfully rescued and transported to hospital, and remain in a stable condition.
It is with much sadness and regret however, that the Board and management of Sibanye-Stillwater confirmed that seven of the 13 employees who were retrieved, passed away from injuries sustained during the incident. The families of all of the employees have been contacted and assisted with transport to the mine, and have been receiving necessary support and counselling, which will be ongoing.
On the other hand the SA Cabinet has extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased mineworkers at the Sibanye-Stillwater’s Driefontein Mine, near Carletonville on the West Rand. Government declared that a total of 13 mineworkers were trapped underground last Thursday at the firm’s Masakhane shaft in Driefontein, following seismic activity.
Seven workers were killed and six of the surviving employees are in a stable condition in hospital. The mining company says an investigation is still underway to determine what caused the seismic event which resulted in rock fall.
Addressing the media on Thursday during a post Cabinet briefing, Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said Cabinet has urged the mining sector to fast-track their research that will assist in the capability in detecting seismic activities in the mines and save lives.
Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe told the mourners that he is going to propose that miners must have shares in the mines. “All of us have a duty to make the mines safe,” added Minister Mantashe.
