NUM demands inquiry into mining deaths
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) wants to meet Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe to discuss the recent upsurge in mining deaths in the country.
This follows the death of six mineworkers who were trapped underground at the Palabora Copper Mine in Limpopo at the weekend.
A fire broke out underground at its conveyer belt during the early hours of Sunday morning, while more than 200 workers were underground.
The union’s Duncan Luvuno says they want Mantashe to establish a commission of inquiry into the death of mineworkers.
"We need a commission of inquiry as a matter of urgency because we might be speaking now, later on, the day you might find at one of the mining houses there is a fatality.”
He adds that mine owners do not seem to take the lives of mineworkers seriously.
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Mantashe has sent condolences to the families of the deceased miners.
READ: Six trapped workers die at Limpopo mine
Department of Mineral Resources Spokesperson Ayanda Shezi says it is unfortunate that the country has lost many miners in mining disasters this year.
"The minister would like to reiterate his call to companies to prioritise health and safety," says Shezi.
She adds the department will launch an investigation as soon as the area is declared safe.