Fatal accident at Doornkop mine

NUM Press Statement, 29 June 2014

Fatal accident at Doornkop mine

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is deeply saddened that its member was fatally injured at Doornkop mine today. He was struck by a fall of ground while he was drilling underground this morning.

Doornkop mine is a Harmony operation in Gauteng.

"As the NUM, we believe that all accidents can be prevented including this one. Fall of rocks has been one of the major killers in the mining industry. We call upon the mining companies to invest more money in protecting the lives of workers than focusing more on profits. This fatal accident takes us to 55 mineworkers who had died so far in the mining industry," said Erick Gcilitshana, NUM National Health and Safety Secretary.

We call upon the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to trigger its investigation to the accident and as the NUM we will participate in the investigation to leave no stone unturned.

The NUM is of the view that one death in the industry is just one death too many...production should not and must not be at the expense of mineworkers 's lives."

It is unacceptable that mineworkers are denied their basic human right to work in an environment that guarantees their safety, and that instead they are expected to go to work to die.

The NUM would like to convey its deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

For more information, please contact:

Erick Gcilitshana-(NUM Health and Safety Secretary)-082 809 3105
Livhuwani Mammburu: (Acting NUM National Spokesperson )-083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167