Zwane: Beatrix mine to remain closed.
Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane says Sibayane
Stillwater’s Beatrix mine near Welkom in the Free State will remain closed
until workers’ safety can be guaranteed.
Zwane briefed the media on Friday following an incident on Thursday when more than 900 miners were trapped underground following a storm and subsequent power outage.
The minister said the miners are receiving counselling and help where needed.
“There was an alternative escape route for the miners, but a decision was taken that the safest route was the one the miners took. But if there was any negligence on my side I will make it public.”
Zwane said there is no timeline to the investigations.
Meanwhile, Parliament Standing Committee on Mineral Resources says miners’ safety remains a big concern. one of the issue that’s of great concern for the committee is the lives of miners and their safety.
The committee’s chairperson Sahlulele Lupizo believes a case of attempted murder must be opened against Sibyane.
Listen: