UASA Media Release: 23 May 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is deeply worried about the 300 miners trapped more than three kilometres underground at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof mine west of Johannesburg.
The incident occurred at Kloof’s no 7 Shaft when the door of a conveyance system used to transport ore malfunctioned. Debris spilt, damaging the shaft infrastructure and preventing its safe return to the surface.
While no injuries have been reported yet, and all miners are confirmed safe, UASA is deeply concerned about the workers’ safety, especially as they do not have access to food and water and the turnaround time of the rescue team operation.
Though notable initiatives, strategies and solutions to achieve Zero Harm in the mining industry have been progressing, producing positive results, this means very little when we still face life-threatening incidents that remind us of the shortcomings and dangers that the mining industry still has for ultimate safety solutions.
UASA will work closely with Sibanye-Stillwater Kloof mine management and stakeholders to ensure that the affected workers are rescued and that the health and safety challenges involved in this incident are addressed accordingly.
Mining-related incidents are a devastating reality to many workers and families. UASA fully supports its affected members, all workers and Sibanye-Stillwater during this challenging time.
We also encourage the Mine Health and Safety Council, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and all stakeholders to step in and assist Sibanye-Stillwater. The safety of workers is our priority.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.