Goldfields to review mine safety

Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland says the company plans to review its safety system and practices. "If we cannot mine safely, we must not mine. There is no price for life."

He was speaking at the memorial service of nine mine workers killed in a Randfontein mine accident last week. He said he was "shocked and dismayed" over the accident, promising
that the mine would co-operate fully with the Minerals and Energy department to determine the cause.

Murray and Roberts contractors Johannes Coetzee, Frederick Labuschagne, Frederick Botha, Matthew Norman, Frederick Reinecke, Jan Peels, Daniel Nkuna and Mishack Shabangu as well as Gold Fields onsetter Mokhantsho Bahlekazi died when a rope on a sub-cage winder snapped. National organiser for mine safety from Solidarity, Deon Vermuelen, said if mine management were held responsible for safety at mines, there would be less accidents.

"We are talking about initiatives to save lives, but initiatives being implemented are of no consequence as they are clearly not saving
lives or improving safety," he said. He said the time had come for management to put mine safety first and be committed to proper research that would have the desired effect, instead of creating the illusion of improved safety. - Sapa