/ 15 September 2008

Miner dies at Anglo Platinum’s Amandebult mine

A mineworker died at Anglo Platinum’s Amandebult mine in the early hours of Monday morning, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said.

Anglo Platinum spokesperson Mary-Jane Morifi confirmed the death.

The incident occurred at the mine’s number one shaft and the mineworker was apparently killed by a derailed hopper.

”This brings the total number of mineworkers who died to 121 this year.

”The number of mineworkers who died at Amandebult alone is now six,” the NUM said.

However, Anglo Platinum said there had been four deaths this year at the mine.

The NUM called on Anglo Platinum ”to pull up its safety socks” and said investigations would begin later in the day.

Morifi said it was normal practice that the relevant section of the mine be closed after an accident.

She could not provide more information as the mine’s manager was underground. – Sapa