AT LEAST 114 miners have died on South African mines in the past nine months.
Mines in Rustenburg in North West have seen an increase in deaths and accidents.
The second most accidents are on mines in Thabazimbi, Burgersfort and Lephalale in Limpopo.
The National Union of Mineworkers said Carletonville gold mines used to lead with high fatalities and accidents, but have now been overtaken by Rustenburg's platinum belt.
"Carletonville mines are deeper and very old. They have been characterised by seismic events, fall of ground and a whole lot of other accidents," NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said.
On Monday a miner died at Rustenburg's Impala Platinum. Two workers died at the same shaft last month.
Department of Minerals and Energy spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the 113 deaths, plus the miner who died on Monday, was a 21percent reduction from 143 fatalities for the same period in 2009.
Michaels said the department was also engaging the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that relevant mine personnel, including management, are considered for prosecution where there is negligence that led to loss of life.
Employer body the SA Chamber of Mines said there has been a 26percent improvement in deaths compared to the same period last year.
Mine deaths and accidents on the rise
AT LEAST 114 miners have died on South African mines in the past nine months.
Mines in Rustenburg in North West have seen an increase in deaths and accidents.
The second most accidents are on mines in Thabazimbi, Burgersfort and Lephalale in Limpopo.
The National Union of Mineworkers said Carletonville gold mines used to lead with high fatalities and accidents, but have now been overtaken by Rustenburg's platinum belt.
"Carletonville mines are deeper and very old. They have been characterised by seismic events, fall of ground and a whole lot of other accidents," NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said.
On Monday a miner died at Rustenburg's Impala Platinum. Two workers died at the same shaft last month.
Department of Minerals and Energy spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the 113 deaths, plus the miner who died on Monday, was a 21percent reduction from 143 fatalities for the same period in 2009.
Michaels said the department was also engaging the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that relevant mine personnel, including management, are considered for prosecution where there is negligence that led to loss of life.
Employer body the SA Chamber of Mines said there has been a 26percent improvement in deaths compared to the same period last year.
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