Gold Fields Limited regretfully announced the death of two employees at the Number 7 Shaft at its KDC East (formerly Kloof) mine after a seismic-related accident. Another five employees were injured, of whom two were hospitalised and are in a stable condition. The other three employees suffered only minor injuries.
The accident occurred following a seismic event yesterday, measuring 1.6 on the Richter scale.
The relevant authorities, including the Safety Inspectorate of the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”), were immediately notified. All employees were withdrawn from the reef horizon at the shaft after the accident. The DMR issued a Section 54 stopping both KDC East and KDC West (formerly Driefontein) until the mine has completed the statutory investigation and presented the findings to the DMR.
Nick Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields, said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. Management will do everything possible to support them in this hour of need. This accident shows that there cannot be any let-up in our efforts to mine safely.”
