Two top platinum producers have reported that a miner died at one of their South African operations in recent weeks.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) confirmed that a worker died in a rock accident at the K5 shaft in Rustenburg, which is run by Anglo Platinum, the world's largest platinum producer.

In addition, Aquarius Platinum said that an employee of mining contractor Redpath Mining was killed in an accident involving a load haul dump vehicle at Kroondal's K5 shaft.

The trend is on a worrying increase in the country's mining sector as underground safety concerns continue, with 221 deaths recorded last year, a rise of around ten per cent from the figure of 200 for 2006.

With an estimated 116 miners having died in South Africa already this year, Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has explained that more must be done to rectify the situation.

She said: "We are not learning from our experiences. If we were, similar accidents would not be happening.

"Mine workers cannot just be perceived as a source of labour. We need to see the workers in a holistic manner.

"All aspects of their wellbeing need to be catered for by creating both a social and physical environment that shows we care."

Ms Sonjica also confirmed that the presidential safety audit conducted at all South African mines has been completed, although she would not be drawn on the results.



Source:

Worker dies at Angloplat mine says union (06/09/08)
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSL628725120080906

Aquarius Platinum says miner dies in accident at Kroondal's K5 shaft (09/08/08)
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/09/08/afx5400076.html

More than 100 workers killed in SA's mines this year - Sonjica (05/09/08)
http://www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=142539