Miner killed in Matla coal mine blast

A miner was killed and four others seriously injured by an explosion in the Matla coal mine outside Witbank, the National Union of Mineworkers said today. Spokesperson Paris Mashego said a methane explosion occurred around noon.

"These workers were supposed to be home for the Easter weekend but were lured into working through 'zama-zama'," he said.

Zama-zama was a voluntary shift system allowing mine workers to make extra money on their off days.

"It is very dangerous to work this shift because employers do not pay much attention to the required safety standards," Mashego said.

The union believed that the mine was under extra production pressure by the Matla power station, which apparently had low coal stocks. Matla was owned by Exxaro Resources. The company said it would comment shortly. - Sapa