Tragedy strikes South African platinum mine as 11 lives lost in lift accident

In a somber incident at a platinum mine in South Africa, eleven individuals lost their lives on Monday when a lift, transporting workers at the end of their shift, plummeted, according to a statement by the mine’s owner, Impala Platinum, on Tuesday.

The company reported that 86 employees were in the lift, with eleven fatalities and the remainder transported to hospitals, some sustaining serious injuries.

The accident occurred in a 1,000-meter-deep shaft, approximately 150 km northwest of Johannesburg. The lift, designed to collect miners at the end of their shift, experienced an unexpected descent at its third stop. Despite attempts to activate emergency protocols, the automated system continued its descent, halting only at the bottom when the counterweight rose to the surface and became entangled, causing an abrupt stop.

Impala Platinum confirmed the conclusion of the rescue operation and expressed devastation over the incident, leading to the suspension of all mine operations on Tuesday. An investigation into the accident has been initiated.

Johan Theron, a spokesperson for the mining company, detailed the aftermath, stating that some individuals suffered fatal injuries, others sustained severe harm, and some managed to escape with minor injuries, such as scratches. Many of the injured workers reportedly suffered from broken ankles and legs.

Nico Muller, CEO of Impala Platinum (Implats), conveyed condolences in a statement, saying, “Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and for those affected by this devastating accident.” Muller also assured ongoing efforts to contact the next of kin.

South Africa, a leading global platinum producer, faces the grim reality of frequent fatal accidents in its mines, given the nation’s possession of the world’s deepest mines. The country is a major exporter of minerals, including gold, diamonds, and coal.

Impala Platinum’s mine, situated in the Johannesburg region, adds to the historical significance of mining in the area, marked by active gold and platinum mines alongside remnants of past mining activities, dating back to the 1880s gold rush that contributed to the city’s establishment.