Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has confirmed that the government is actively seeking measures to improve safety at mines following the announcement of 51 fatalities in the sector for 2019 – the lowest ever recorded in the South African mining industry.
Speaking after the release of the 2019 mine health and safety statistics, Mantashe said the government would ramp up efforts to ensure mine safety despite the huge decline in fatalities last year.
“We will continue to engage with the executive management [of mines] to devise strategies to reduce fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases,” Mantashe said.
He said mine houses could reduce the risks for miners by ensuring they have a backup power supply in case of power interruptions.
