South African mine deaths hit record low in 2014

KAMPALA (Scrap Monster): The casualties among South African mine workers reduced to record low figures in 2014. However, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) noted that the rate is still too high and urged to thrive towards achieving zero-fatalities.

According to a statement issued by COSATU, the death toll of mine workers in South Africa during the entire year 2014 totaled 84. The fatalities have dropped significantly when compared with 93 reported during entire 2013. The mine deaths have drastically fallen in comparison with 615 during 1993.

Out of 84 deaths in 2014, gold mines accounted for 44, followed by platinum with 15 and coal with 9. The rest of the mines including diamond, chrome, copper and iron ore accounted for the balance 16 deaths. The statement also noted that seven miners have died since the beginning of the New Year. COSATU observed that the fatalities in the gold sector continue to remain at unacceptably higher level.

According to Ngoako Ramathlodi, Minister of Mineral Resources, concerns still remain despite the numbers falling dramatically when compared with those during the apartheid era. The coal mine fatalities have surged nearly 29% in 2014 when compared with the previous year. A sharp rise of 23% was witnessed in gold mine deaths over the year. Contrastingly, platinum mine deaths were down considerably by 44% during the year.

The figures released by COSATU clearly indicate that gold and platinum sectors are the key contributors to mine accidents and subsequent loss of life.