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Miners on one-day stoppage

Getrude Makhafola

Getrude Makhafola

Production at over 60 mines will come to a standstill today as mine workers in the country go on a one-day strike over mine safety.

National Union Mineworkers spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said yesterday that about 15000 workers would march from Beyers Naude Square to the Chamber of Mines in Johannesburg to hand over a memorandum.

Mine safety came under fire after incidents ranging from workers trapped underground for hours to fatalities.

President Thabo Mbeki has ordered an audit into the health and safety of about 600 mines.

The audit will look into issues of design and maintenance, training, explosives control, water management, shafts and shafts infrastructure.

The Minerals and Energy Department said: "The outcome of the audit will give an indication about the extent to which mines comply with health and safety requirements, and will also help them to develop programmes to improve health and safety of miners."

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