Amcu believes mine companies should be sued for every worker’s death

"Our country has some of the highly rated mining companies in the world, but their focus on profit at the expense of investing in the safety of the workers, who are critical in the generation of revenue leaves much to be desired," the union said in a statement.

"Mining companies deserve to be sued after every fatality that occurs in the mines so they can prioritise the health and safety of their workers."

Rock drill operator Siphilo Makhende died following a fall of ground accident at Lonmin mine’s operations in Marikana near Rustenburg, North West, over the weekend.

An investigation into the accident had begun in conjunction with the Department of Mineral Resources and unions, the company said.

Amcu said Makhende’s death was the third at the mine so far this year.

"This is the third fatality this year at the same shaft. The life of a miner remains futile to the employer and our comrades continue to lose their lives under dangerous working conditions, with very little done to change the environment or provide meaningful compensation to the families they leave behind."

Makhende, who hailed from the Eastern Cape, is survived by his wife two children.