ELEVEN mine workers tragically lost their lives in a serious accident at Impala Platinum (Implats) Mine near Rustenburg, North West on Monday evening, 27 November.
Seventy-five workers were injured in the accident in shaft 11 and were transferred and admitted for treatment to four hospitals in the region. All mining operations at Impala Rustenburg shaft 11 are suspended.
Miner Sibusiso Zungula said they were struggling to come to terms with this incident. He said he has been a mineworker at Impala for seven years and nothing like this has happened before.
“When we reported to work this morning, we were told to clock in and return home because emergency services were still trying to secure the workers who were still trapped.”
Another miner, Thomas Hlaiseka said he urged the mine to conduct a regular assessment on the cages to avoid such incidents.
Daily Sun ran the article of the tragedy on Monday, 27 November.
Boys Rwati, who is also a miner, said it was a painful day for all of them.
“You can only imagine if it was yourself, and it hurts,” he said.
"I've been watching ambulances come in and out since early hours trying to save our fellow brothers and sisters. We are praying for them and their families. We are traumatised. It will be hard to return to work."
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Implats CEO Nico Muller said this is the darkest day in the history of Implats and their hearts were heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating accident.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next of kin have been contacted,” said Muller.
“Implats is offering ongoing support to the families and colleagues of those lost in service. We also hold our injured colleagues in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time. The 11 Shaft personnel conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift. The conveyance unexpectedly started descending. It’s rapid descent was stopped by the conveyance counterweight becoming trapped by the jack catches.
“Investigations into the cause of the incident have commenced. Implats will provide updates when new information becomes available.”
