Trade union Solidarity on Monday welcomed recommendations by the Department of Minerals and Energy that fines be levied against DRDGold following a fatal earth tremor earlier this year.
”In addition, the responsible rock engineer, production manager, mine supervisor and shift boss must face prosecution,” the union said.
A tremor at the mine in Klerksdorp in March was triggered by strain changes in the rock.
The quake measured 5,3 on the Richter scale. Two workers were killed in the incident, 20 were injured and 40 were trapped for 55 hours.
The report said the quake had been caused by changes in the rock tension, caused by extensive mining operations in the area concerned.
The inquiry revealed a shortage of material, improper staffing, overly long gullies, poor management control and inadequate ventilation. These shortcomings could have aggravated the consequences of the seismic events and could also have adversely affected rescue operations.
”These irregularities will be handled by way of administrative fines and referral to the Department of Justice [and Constitutional Development] for further action,” the department said.
”Solidarity is impressed with the trouble that the department has taken with the investigation and the completeness of the 131-page report. The trade union trusts that the department will persevere with its recommendations and that the necessary legal steps will follow,” the union said. — Sapa