Mining activity has been halted at South Africa’s largest gold producer, Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu mine near Carletonville in Gauteng, following the death of two employees.
Harmony Gold says two people were fatally injured in the early hours of Thursday morning, following a seismic event resulting in a fall of ground. The firm says while mining activity in the affected area has been stopped, safety shifts have also been enforced across the mine, pending a formal investigation.
Harmony Gold’s Head of Communications Sihle Maake says, “I can confirm that two Harmony colleagues have tragically succumbed to their injuries following a fall of ground due to seismic activity at the Kusasalethu mine in Gauteng. We are deeply devastated by the incident.”
“The Harmony board, executives, and management wish to extend their sincerest condolences to the deceased employees’ families, friends, and colleagues. All the relevant authorities and stakeholders have been informed and there is an investigation that is currently underway.”
Maake says that the necessary counselling and support will be provided to the families of the deceased.
The video below from August 26, 2017, takes a look at incidents at Harmony Gold at the time:
