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Tragedy Strikes: 11 Miners Lose Their Lives at Rustenburg Mine
11 Rustenburg miners are dead. The tragic incident occurred at the Impala Platinum (Implats) Rustenburg mine in the North West, where 75 others sustained injuries. Implats’ spokesperson, Johan Theron, confirmed a severe safety incident involving a winder rope at its 11 Shaft operation. The winder rope is connected to the personnel conveyance responsible for hoisting employees up and down the shaft, with each level having a capacity for 35 personnel. Theron stated that initial reports suggested several severe injuries and a comprehensive assessment of the human impacts was challenging due to the complexities of the ongoing rescue operation.
It is with regret Implats reports that a serious safety incident involving a winder rope occurred this afternoon at our 11 Shaft operation at Impala Rustenburg. pic.twitter.com/mdO1BOXu7M
— Implats (@Implats) November 27, 2023
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Implats immediately mobilised paramedics, and proto teams specialised in underground rescues. The rescue efforts successfully cleared the two upper levels of the conveyance, and the focus shifted to evacuating the lower level. Once the rescue operations concluded, all 86 affected employees were duly accounted for. Theron emphasised the company’s commitment to prioritising safety and providing extensive support to those involved, collaborating closely with relevant authorities.
CEO Nico Muller lamented the incident as the “darkest day in the history of Implats.” Implats pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available, underscoring its dedication to maintaining the safety of its employees above all else.
Source: 11 miners dead at Rustenburg mine
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Picture: X / Implats
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