UASA Media Release: 07 February 2025
Image source: www.reuters.com
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
The recent tragic, unrelated accidents resulting in the deaths of five workers at Harmony Gold’s Doornkop and Joel Mines are disheartening and cause for concern.
Two workers at Doornkop mine west of Johannesburg lost their lives following a mining incident at a development end. Three workers at Joel mine in the Free State lost their lives following a ‘severe fall of ground.’
We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased miners and wish the other miners who might have been injured in the incident a speedy recovery.
UASA fully supports Harmony Gold and its workers during this challenging time. We remain committed to the mining sector’s zero-harm safety initiative and encourage Harmony to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents to ensure workers’ safety.
Despite the zero-harm safety initiative’s work to decrease fatalities, the safety of workers in the mining industry remains under threat, with sometimes devastating outcomes and pain to the families who lose loved ones in accidents.
UASA will work closely with Harmony and stakeholders to improve workers’ health and safety conditions. By continuously co-creating solutions, we will ensure that safety precautions are observed and prioritised.
Working together, Zero Harm is within our collective reach.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.