RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats) has expressed their deep sadness after 11 employees lost their lives at Impala Rustenburg's 11 Shaft.
A further 75 employees were injured, of which 14 are considered critical, in the accident and were transferred and admitted for treatment to four hospitals in the region. The mine rescue operation is completed and all 86 employees are 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 devastating accident," Implats CEO, Nico Muller, said.
The incident involving a winder rope occurred just before 17:00 on Monday (27 November).
The11 Shaft personnel conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift. At 16:54, the conveyance unexpectedly started descending. Its rapid descent was stopped by the conveyance counterweight becoming trapped by the jack catches.
"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. We also hold our injured colleagues in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time. I extend my deepest gratitude to the local medical services from the Bojanala District and the Impala Medical Services team who worked tirelessly during this crisis to provide the necessary emergency paramedic services, secure additional ICU beds and ambulances, mobilise additional general surgeons and secure the support of three private hospitals to assist our Impala Hospital in caring for the critically injured," Muller, said. He added that they are also extremely grateful to all the proto and rescue teams for their tireless and courageous efforts, working under very difficult circumstances, to rescue the 11 Shaft team members. "We value the efforts of all stakeholders coming together in this extremely difficult time, particularly the emergency responders," he said. According to Implats, all emergency protocols were observed during the event and paramedics and their search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised.
Investigations into the cause of the incident have already commenced.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe visited the mine on Tuesday and confirmed that the incident will also be investigated by the chief inspector of mines. Implats’ Johan Theron said in an interview that conveyance systems are used worldwide and are historically safe. “It is incumbent on us to thoroughly investigate, not just for ourselves but to also share with the industry… why it occurred and how to prevent it in the future.”
