51 mining deaths ‘lowest on record’, says Mantashe
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has recorded a significant decrease in mine fatalities in 2019.
Addressing the media in Tshwane on Friday, minister Gwede Mantashe said it was the lowest ever number of fatalities on record.
Mantashe and Mines inspector David Msiza briefed the media on the 2019 mine health and safety statistics on Friday morning.
“The sector recorded 51 fatalities in 2019. This is the lowest ever number of fatalities on record. This represents a 37% improvement,” said Mantashe.
The number of injuries in the mining sector also showed an improvement.
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Msiza said the figure demonstrated a 2% decrease year-on-year.
“A total of 2406 injuries were reported in 2019, compared to 2447 reported during 2018, translating to a 2% decrease year-on-year.”