Johannesburg - Anglo American Platinum says one of its employees died after an infection set in post an accident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the listed miner - which is selling its Rustenburg operations to Sibanye Gold for R4.5 billion - says the incident happened at the end of March at its Khuseleka shaft –Thembelani Mine.
The company adds the miner, who has not been named, sustained injuries during a rock conveyance incident.
On Saturday, the employee succumbed to an infection while being treated for his injuries.
Khuseleka 1 shaft is part of the Rustenburg Section and was formerly known as Townlands Shaft.
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Anglo American Platinum CEO Chris Griffith says “we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and we are doing as much as we can to support them during this difficult time.
“An independent and comprehensive process is underway to make sure we fully understand the circumstances of the incident and that we learn from it in order to create a safer work environment for our employees.”
In 2014, the latest year for which figures are available, 84 miners died, of which 44 occurred in gold mines, 15 in platinum mines, nine in coal mines, and 16 in mines such as diamond, chrome, copper, and iron ore mines.
A total of 93 miners died in 2013; 37 at gold mines, 27 at platinum mines, seven at coal mines and 22 on other mines.
IOL