Mining safety expected to take centre stage on day 2 of Mining Indaba

CAPE TOWN - Mining safety is expected to take centre stage on Tuesday as the Mining Indaba entersits second day in Cape Town on Tuesday.

This after industry group, the Minerals Council SA, announced that 2023 saw a setback in mine safety, following an improved safety record in the previous year.

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The meeting of mining giants, policymakers and government leaders kicked off on Monday with a range of issues on the table. 
 
Provisional statistics from the Department of Mineral Resources have tallied the total fatalities at mines in 2023 at 54, against 45 in 2022.

The platinum and gold sectors had the highest numbers, with rockfall and conveyance accidents among the leading causes.

The best performance on safety in the history of the industry was recorded in 2022.

This year’s mining indaba comes at a time when a number of incidents have again sparked concerns about occupational safety.

This includes the death of 13 miners at Implats in the North West two months ago after a cage plummeted 200 metres down to the bottom of the mine shaft.

Industry group, the Minerals Council, said this was a stark reminder that there should never be a lapse in vigilance where mine safety was concerned.