Impala Platinum (Implats) says 12 of its employees died in a serious accident at Impala Rustenburg’s 11 Shaft in South Africa on November 27.
It said a further 75 employees were injured in the accident and were transferred and admitted for treatment to four hospitals in the region.
The initial death toll during the accident was 11. However, one of the hospitalised has since died, bringing the death toll to 12.
The mine rescue operation was completed, and all 86 employees were accounted for.
“This is the darkest day in the history of Implats, and our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devasting accident,” said Implats chief executive Nico Muller.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next-of-kin have been contacted. Implats is offering ongoing support to the families and colleagues of those lost in service.”
Meanwhile, Implats resumed production at the rest of the nine shafts at its Rustenburg operations on Thursday after a period of mourning and checking the other elevators at the complex.
However, the deep-level shaft in which a cage hoisting the miners to the surface suddenly plunged will remain closed.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
