Mining Sector Fatalities Hit Lowest Level in History

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The 2019 Mine Health and Safety Statistics published by the South African government suggests significant improvement in fatalities. The mining sector fatalities hit the lowest level in history during the previous year.

As per statistics, the country’s mining sector recorded 51 fatalities in 2019. This is the lowest ever recorded fatalities in the history of South African mining industry. When compared with the prior year, the fatalities have seen a decline of 37%.

The gold sector reported 19 fatalities in 2019, as compared with 40 in 2018, thereby recording 53% year-on-year improvement. However, the platinum sector fatalities, also at 19, were significantly higher by 58% when matched with 12 fatalities in 2018. Meantime, other mines reported 70% improvement in fatalities, registering decline from 20 to 6 over the year, said government data.

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The occupational injuries in 2019 totalled 2,406 as against 2,447 reported in 2018. The number of Annual Medical Reports (AMRs) submitted saw marginal increase from 975 to 999 reports. The incidents of occupational diseases in mining sector witnessed notable decline by nearly 23% from 652 cases in 2017 to 465 in 2018.

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe commended the concerted efforts by all involved, which have led to the significant improvement in sector fatalities.