Four miners killed at Sibanye-Stillwater
More bad news hits Sibanye-Stillwater mine as four miners were killed yesterday, with a fifth still missing.
Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed that four of its employees were found dead in the Kloof Ikamva shaft located in Westonaria on Monday, 11 June.
A fifth employee who also entered the abandoned stope ore pass is currently being sought.
The bad news comes just one month after seven Sibanye-Stillwater miners were killed in a seismic incident measuring 2.5 on the Richter scale.
James Wellsted, Head of Investor Relations at the mine, reported that the five employees entered the abandoned stope ore pass yesterday, 11 June.
Also Read:Â Tremor at Sibanye Mine kills four
“Sadly, three employees were declared dead [yesterday],” said Wellsted.
Mine rescue teams were sent back into the mine later during the day and went looking for the remaining two employees.
A fourth deceased employee was discovered in the shaft earlier today.
“Specialised proto teams have been working through the night to locate and retrieve the last employee, but it is currently uncertain how long the retrieval process will take. Further updates will be issued when more information becomes available.”
Wellsted also said, “A thorough investigation into the incident will be undertaken .”
“Sibanye-Stillwater expresses its deepest condolences to the family members, friends and colleagues of the four deceased employees. Mining operations at Kloof’s Ikamva shaft have been suspended for a day of mourning.”
These aren’t the first employees to die at Sibanye Mines this year, as more than 18 deaths at their mines have been reported.
The Department of Mineral Resources and all the unions have been informed about the incident.
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