Royal Bafokeng Platinum says one of its contractors has died during scraping operations, leading to the mine suspending operations pending an investigation.
The listed platinum company says the contract employee, Kayalethu Sidumo, died at its Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine’s (BRPM’s) south shaft.
“Sidumo, who was employed as a winch operator, was fatally injured when he was struck by a scraper rope during scraping operations,” said Royal Bafokeng in an alert to shareholders.
It says all normal underground operations have been suspended at south shaft pending a full investigation into the incident, which has already commenced in conjunction with the Department of Mineral Resources.
Royal Bafokeng “remains committed to keeping its workforce safe from any harm.”
It adds it is seeking to improve the safety culture at its operations.
“We remain positive that our road to resilience safety programme, supported by our strategy of strengthening the barriers that prevent injuries will enable us to achieve our safety targets and objectives.”
In 2014, 84 miners were killed, the lowest ever in the country's mining history. Of the 84 deaths, 44 occurred in gold mines, 15 in platinum mines, nine in coal mines, and 16 in other mines such as those extracting diamond, chrome, copper, and iron ore.
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.Royal Bafoken added its board of directors, management and Sidumo’s colleagues of Mr Sidumo “extend their sincere condolences to his family and friends”.