Doornkop is a deep-level, single-shaft operation in Gauteng, some 30km west of Johannesburg, on the northern rim of the Witwatersrand Basin. Picture: Supplied
Harmony Gold has confirmed the loss of five employees following two separate mining incidents that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, coming as the local industry is under global spotlight from the ongoing Investing in African Mining Indaba.
The company said Wednesday that two mineworkers lost their lives following a mining incident at a development end at Doornkop Mine, in Soweto, Gauteng.
In response to this incident, Harmony has temporarily suspended all blasting operations at the mine to ensure the utmost safety.
In a separate incident, three employees succumbed to their injuries following a severe fall of ground incident at Joel Mine, near Theunissen in the Free State Province.
Harmony said the causes of these two unrelated incidents were currently under investigation, both internally and by the regulator, adding that the relevant authorities have been kept fully apprised of the incidents.
Investigations into the causes of these incidents will be led by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, supported by labour representatives and mine management at each operation.
Harmony CEO, Beyers Nel, said they were devastated by the news of these tragic incidents, extending condolences to their families and saying the company will provide full support to the families of the deceased during this challenging time.
“The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our first priority, and the loss of lives of our colleagues is deeply saddening,” Nel said.
“We are doing all we can to prevent safety incidents through embedded and proactive risk management practices alongside our humanistic safety culture transformation journey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to every single person affected by these tragic events.”
Two weeks ago, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, reported that the mining industry recorded 42 fatalities in 2024, marking the lowest ever number of fatalities in the history of the country’s mining, which represents a 24% year-on-year improvement, compared to 55 fatalities in 2023.
In December 2024, a mineworker died from a fall of ground incident at the deep-level Moab Khotsong mine operated by Harmony Gold in the North-West province.
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