DMPR assesses Rustenburg mine heap collapse after 14 illegal miners die
The department says the incident happened at a surface opencast mining operation and not inside an underground mine shaft
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is assessing the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 14 illegal miners in Rustenburg, North West, earlier this week.
The miners died after a mine heap collapsed in the area, while eight others survived and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, while the DMPR says it is reviewing information relating to the deaths, including whether applicable mining laws and requirements were being followed.
“The department is currently reviewing all relevant information relating to the incident and will, at an appropriate time, provide further details, including matters related to compliance with applicable laws governing licences and permits,” said DMPR.
The DMPR added that it is working with law enforcement agencies, mining rights holders and affected communities to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat illegal mining.
The department also clarified that the incident did not occur inside an underground mine shaft, but at a surface mining operation.
“The DMPR confirms that the incident occurred within the boundaries of an area where a valid mining permit has been issued. The department further confirms that the site is a surface opencast mining operation and does not include an underground mine shaft,” it said.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by people involved in unauthorised mining, particularly where operations are carried out without the necessary training, equipment and permits.
The DMPR has previously stressed the importance of lawful and regulated participation in small-scale mining, where operators are required to meet the relevant legal, safety and technical requirements.
