/ 31 October 2007

Two killed in accident at Kloof Gold Mine

Gold Fields announced on Wednesday that two employees lost their lives in the morning in an underground accident at the number four shaft of Kloof Gold Mine, near Westonaria.

Two other mine employees were injured, one seriously.

The four were part of a 10-man team working in a stope on 41 level, approximately 3 000m below surface, when there was an explosion. Other employees, working on that level of the mine, raised the alarm and a rescue operation was immediately launched. The two injured men have been taken to hospital.

Gold Fields said the cause of the accident is under investigation. The Department of Minerals and Energy as well as the National Union of Mineworkers have been informed, it said.

It was also decided to cease blasting activities at number four shaft for the rest of today.

Terence Goodlace, executive vice-president of Gold Fields and head of the group’s South African operations, said: “I am deeply shocked by this accident and my thoughts are with the families of those colleagues who died as well as with the injured.

“I can assure you that a full investigation will be made into the cause of this accident and I have asked that all mining activities at number four shaft be brought to a halt. We are committed to ensuring that no harm should come to any of our employees while at work and we have been working to meet this commitment. The safety of our workforce will always remain the number one priority.”

The names of the deceased will only be disclosed after next of kin have been informed. — I-Net Bridge