Mining industry pushes for zero harm as fatalities reach record low

THE Minerals Council South Africa has remained confident that the mining industry was firmly on the path to Zero Harm after recording a historic low of 42 deaths in 2024, a 24% decrease from 55 in the previous year.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

This marked a significant milestone in the industry’s quest to ensure safe mining practices and highlighted a commendable reduction in workplace fatalities while recorded injuries fell to 1841, reflecting a 16% drop from 2023.

Minerals Council CEO, Mzila Mthenjane, said this showcased that the industry is definitely advancing towards achieving its goal of Zero Harm.

However, Mthenjane emphasised that falls of ground remained the highest risk of underground deaths and management of these incidents remained a critical factor in achieving Zero Harm.

“We must acknowledge the sobering reality of our current falls of ground safety performance. Since 1 January 2025, we have already witnessed seven of our colleagues fall-of-ground fatalities. This continues with the one fatality recorded during the same period last year,” Mthenjane said.