Gold Fields confirmed on Wednesday that one mineworker was killed in a surface blasting accident at its Beatrix Mine in the Free State shortly before 9am on Wednesday morning.
Three other workers were injured and taken to the St Helena hospital in Welkom, the group said.
One was discharged after treatment for minor injuries, while the other two were admitted for observation and reported to be in a stable condition. “They do not have life-threatening injuries,” Gold Fields said.
The incident had occurred in an isolated part of the mine property where old explosives were being destroyed — an area designated specifically for this purpose.
“The cause of the accident is yet to be established. Beatrix Mine will carry out a full investigation in conjunction with the relevant government department,” Gold Fields said.
It added that the name of the deceased cannot be released until his next-of-kin have been informed.
According to the group, the incident did not affect the normal working of the mine.
The trade union Solidarity confirmed earlier that the dead miner was one of its members.
“An SAPS [South African Police Service] forensic team is currently investigating the scene of the accident. Solidarity will take part in the investigation into the accident that is to be undertaken by the inspector of mines,” the trade union said. — I-Net Bridge