Accident occurs at Burnstone gold mining project in South Africa
Sibanye-Stillwater has reported an accident that occurred at its Burnstone gold mining project in South Africa. The incident occurred during the installation of a new surface waste rock conveyor when the conveyor collapsed. The company was developing a shallow gold mine in Mpumalanga province, located 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) east of Johannesburg. Four contractor employees lost their lives while one is seriously injured. The accident has also affected the firm’s rates, recording a drop in shares by 4.6% during pre-market trading in New York.
Mining fatalities
Sibanye Stillwater stated that a full investigation is currently underway, while the Minerals Council of South Africa noted that prior to the Burnstone incident, there had been 11 mining-related fatalities in the country this year, compared to 13 in the same period last year.
According to a government report, 2022 was the safest year on record for mining in South Africa, with 49 accident-related deaths recorded compared to 74 in the previous year. Falls of ground accidents are rock falling from the mine roof into a mine opening, and usually account for the bulk of injuries and fatalities in the mining industry. However, the Burnstone incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with the mining industry, and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety measures to protect the lives of those working in the sector.
