UASA Media Release: 5 June 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA expresses deep concern and sorrow over the passing of a worker at Harmony Gold’s Joel Mine in the Free State. This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder for the mining sector to thoroughly examine the health and safety issues associated with underground environments.
The loss of life due to a fall of ground calls into question the effectiveness of the safety strategies and precautions implemented by the company. This year alone, Harmony has recorded 11 fatalities, while the entire mining industry has seen a total of 26 deaths. Additionally, there have been 107 injuries related to falls of ground.
The high number of fatalities and injuries indicates that the mining industry is struggling to address safety hazards that pose life-threatening risks to workers every day. Despite various interventions implemented within the sector, UASA continues to urge all stakeholders, including employers and the government, to explore practical ways to minimise risks in the industry.
Twenty-six fatalities are simply too many. Every lost life represents not just a statistic but also a colleague, family member, or friend—an immense loss to the workforce. We must strive to achieve zero harm in the mining industry.
UASA welcomes Harmony Gold’s declaration of 5 June as a Day of Safety across its South African operations. This initiative aims to engage with employees and stakeholders and to reflect on safety practices at each of the mines. We hope that the outcomes of these discussions will lead to practical safety measures ensuring that working environments don’t endanger workers’ lives.
UASA is also saddened by the passing of another worker at Blyvoor Gold in Carletonville as a result of a seismic event underground.
We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the workers who lost their lives.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.