Faith Nyasuguta
Eleven individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident at a South African platinum mine on Monday when the lift carrying workers at the end of their day plummeted, as reported by Impala Platinum, the mine’s owner, on Tuesday.
“Eighty-six employees were standing in the lift; eleven lost their lives, and all the others were transferred to hospitals,” stated a company spokesman to AFP, highlighting that some suffered very serious injuries.
Situated in a 1,000-meter-deep shaft approximately 150 km northwest of Johannesburg, the lift was ascending to gather miners finishing their shift.
This incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday (15:00 GMT), with the lift making several stops on its way up. Johan Theron, a spokesman for the mining company, explained that at the third stop, the automated system unexpectedly began descending.
An operator attempted to apply emergency protocols, but the lift continued its descent, only halting at the very bottom when the counterweight reached the surface, subsequently becoming stuck by jacks and resulting in an abrupt stop.
“Some died, others were seriously injured, and others escaped with scratches,” the spokesman reported, noting that many of the injured suffered broken ankles and legs.
Impala Platinum confirmed that the rescue operation has concluded and expressed devastation over the fatal accident. All operations at the mine were suspended on Tuesday, and an investigation has been initiated.
Nico Muller, CEO of Impala Platinum (Implats), stated, “Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and for those affected by this devastating accident.” He affirmed the company’s commitment to contacting all next of kin.
South Africa, known for its mineral wealth, ranks as the world’s top platinum producer. The country frequently witnesses fatal accidents in its mines, given the depths of its mines, which are also significant exporters of gold, diamonds, coal, and other raw materials.
The Johannesburg region, featuring numerous active gold and platinum mines, bears the historical imprints of generations of miners who arrived during the gold rush in the 1880s, contributing to the city’s inception.
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