Mining unions are outraged by the latest mine deaths.
Six mineworkers were killed at the Palabora Mining Company in Limpopo on Sunday.
All six were trapped in an incident early on Sunday morning. It’s believed that a fire broke out at one of the underground conveyor belts.
This brings the number of fatalities at mines around the country this year to over 50.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) says its call for mining companies to be held accountable for mine deaths has fallen on deaf ears.
Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa says mineworkers continue to die underground, while no one is being held to account.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in Limpopo has also reacted.
NUM Regional Secretary Phillip Mankge says: “We are very shocked about the news that six miners have been confirmed dead in in the Palabora copper mine. So it’s very sad news and we are trying to assemble a very strong team to visit the mine today to join a preliminary investigation and establish the root cause of that incident.”
The Department extends its condolences to the families of the deceased.
— Dept Minerals RSA (@DMR_SA) July 15, 2018
