NUM statement on the release of the 2015 mine health and safety statistics

NUM Press Statement, 28 January 2016

NUM statement on the release of the 2015 mine health and safety statistics

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) welcomes the release of statistics on the health and safety performance of the mining industry for the 2015 calendar year by the Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane in Pretoria today.

"We welcome the decline but employers must do more to achieve zero harm. One death is one death too many. These are breadwinners of the families. That is why we say we will continue to put pressure to mines to save lives. The NUM will get involved to change to the situation from within," said Erick Gcilitshana, NUM Health and Safety Secretary

The number of fatalities in 2015 was 77 and in 2014 was 84. In 2012, there was 122 fatalities in the mining industry and 2013 was 94.

NUM believes that it is still not a cause for celebration. We are determined to ensure that together with the industry we reach zero harm and thus we will continue to observe days of mourning in the current year. We expect the full support of employers since they are also expected to mourn the death of their employees.

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