Mantashe: SA recorded lowest number of mining fatalities in 2024
Forty-two fatalities were recorded in the mining sector for 2024, 13 less than the previous year.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town on 7 November 2024. Picture: X/@Real-AEW
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa recorded the lowest number of mining fatalities in its history in 2024.
Forty-two fatalities were recorded in the mining sector for 2024, 13 less than the previous year.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister, Gwede Mantashe, during the release of the mining health and safety stats.
In 2024, the mining industry employed close to 500,000 people, 42% of whom were contract workers.
However, the biggest feat for the sector was that it recorded its lowest number of fatalities in the history of mining in South Africa.
“The South African mining industry recorded 42 fatalities in the year 2024, marking the lowest number of fatalities in the history of mining in South Africa,” said Mantashe.
Mantashe attributed the reduction in accidents and fatalities to a concerted effort by mining companies and mineworkers.
“Mineworkers experience solidarity in practical terms. Because the life of the next mineworker depends on the life of the other mineworker. Only in mining is that a reality in life.”
The platinum mining sector accounted for the most fatalities with 19, followed by gold, with 11 and coal with six.