Two killed in mining incident outside Mokopane
In a statement, Ivanhoe Mines confirmed that a third employee was injured while a fourth was still missing.
LIMPOPO – Two mine employees have been confirmed dead following an incident at the Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold mine development project outside Mokopane.
The incident happened at Shaft 1 where four employees were conducting routine activities.
A preliminary investigation indicates that an accident occurred as a result of a kibble bucket falling down Shaft 1 and striking the northern side of the working platform where four-employees were conducting routine water-pumping activities, the group said in a statement.
“Ivanhoe Mines confirmed that two employees are deceased. One employee is currently missing and a fourth employee who was injured in the accident was successfully excavated from the shaft by emergency rescue crews and transported to a hospital in Johannesburg in a stable condition.”
Marna Cloete, Ivanhoe Mines President and CFO, stated: “On behalf of the entire management of Ivanplats and Ivanhoe Mines, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic event. Safety for everyone at our mine sites is our highest priority. We will work closely with the South African authorities to determine the cause of the accident. Development activities at Platreef have been suspended pending the investigation and will resume only once the safety at the site can be assured.
