Rustenburg, North West — A devastating incident unfolded at Impala Platinum Mine, claiming the lives of at least eleven miners and leaving several others seriously injured. The mining company, Impala Platinum (Implats), reported the incident at its Rustenburg Mines, citing a cable malfunction that caused a personnel conveyance to plunge below ground.
The safety incident occurred at the 11 shaft of the mine and involved a winder rope connected to the personnel conveyance responsible for hoisting employees up and down the shaft. Each level of the conveyance has a capacity to carry 35 personnel.
“Initial reports indicate that there have been several serious injuries, but an accurate assessment of the full human impacts of the accident is not currently possible, given the complexity of the rescue operation,” stated Impala Platinum Mine.
Implats swiftly initiated a rescue effort, mobilizing paramedics and proto teams to attend to the injured. The rescue operation has focused on vacating the lower level of the conveyance after clearing the two upper levels.
“The safety of our employees is paramount, and we are providing all possible support to those involved and working closely with the relevant authorities,” affirmed the mining company.
Implats committed to providing regular updates as new information becomes available and expressed unwavering dedication to ensuring the safe return of their colleagues. The tragic incident underscores the inherent risks associated with mining operations and the continuous need for stringent safety measures.
This unfortunate event follows a similar incident in June when 31 suspected illegal miners, believed to be Lesotho nationals, lost their lives in a ventilation shaft at a Virginia mine in Welkom, Free State. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) confirmed the tragic incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal mining activities in disused shafts. The methane levels at the Virginia mine were deemed dangerously high, contributing to the loss of lives.
As investigations unfold at Impala Platinum Mine, questions about safety protocols and preventive measures will undoubtedly come to the forefront, emphasizing the imperative need for ongoing vigilance in the mining industry.