THERE is a certain irony to the fact that the accident at the Lily gold mine of Vantage Goldfields occurred just days after Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane released the 2015 mine safety statistics, which showed that fatalities had fallen 8%.The 77 workers who died last year were the fewest on record in SA, indicating how much the industry’s safety record has improved since 1994. The advances in recent years have demonstrated how mining companies, trade unions and regulators can work together to tackle the dangers and make a difference.They have shown, too, how important it is that mining companies devote high-level attention and resources to safety. The safety record for Chamber of Mines members is now approaching levels typical of Australia and Canada, and the fact that the CEOs of mining companies meet regularly to address safety issues reflects the seriousness with which the large players are taking the issue.But it was not always that way and SA’s mining houses have h...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.