Mantashe gives safety in mining a clean bill of health

Safety in the mines is at a record high, says Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe.

- Jarryd Westerdale

His department outlined health and safety statistics across one of the country's key industries in Pretoria.

The long-term goal of the mining industry is the ultimate aim of zero physical harm to mine workers and improving mental health aspects of the profession.

Mantashe said South Africa had recorded its lowest fatalities in the industry last year.

The industry employs an estimated 480,000 workers, of which over 300,000 are contract workers.

It recorded 42 fatalities last year, down from 55 the previous year, with 49 registered in 2022.

Breaking down each sector, gold mines saw the loss of 11 lives, platinum recorded 19 fatalities and coal registered six.

The remaining sectors recorded a combined total of six.

Mantashe said no disasters occurred last year, describing a disaster as an accident that took five or more lives.