Sibanye-Stillwater Confirms Loss of Life at Driefontein Gold Mine

Global mining company Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed the tragic death of an employee following a tramming incident at its Driefontein gold mine, located in Carletonville on the West Rand, earlier this week. The incident occurred on March 12, when a loco, which was tramming towards the 48 level west internal tip at the Hlanganani shaft, came to an abrupt stop. After a period of no movement, a loco guard went to investigate and discovered that the loco had driven into a backfill pipe.

The backfill pipe pushed against the screen of the loco cab, pinning the driver inside. Despite attempts to assist, the driver was declared deceased underground. This incident has been confirmed as the twelfth fatality in South Africa’s mining sector this year, marking a troubling rise in fatalities compared to the five reported during the same period last year.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) expressed its concern over the rising death toll in the mining industry. While the industry reported a 24% reduction in fatalities in 2024, with 42 deaths compared to 55 in 2023, AMCU pointed out that these statistics offered little solace to the grieving families and communities affected by corporate negligence.

AMCU’s statement highlighted the tragic loss of life, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by miners in South Africa. “These numbers are cold comfort to the families and communities who continue to lose their loved ones,” the union stated.

In response to the incident, James Wellsted, Sibanye-Stillwater’s executive vice president for investor relations and corporate affairs, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees. “The safety and health of our employees is our first priority,” Wellsted said. “We are managing the situation with relevant stakeholders and will investigate the circumstances thoroughly. Appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Wellsted also expressed deep condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. “This is a deeply distressing incident, and we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and associates of our colleague. We will ensure that support, including counseling, is provided to the family.”

As investigations continue, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the mining industry and the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect workers in South Africa’s mines.