Impala Platinum Halts Work At Rustenburg Mine After 11 Workers Died

Impala Platinum, a South African holding company, has temporarily halted operations at its Rustenburg mining complex in the country after 11 workers died in a tragic accident.

The Johannesburg-based platinum miner said in a statement that 11 workers died in an incident at one of underground shafts in Rustenburg mining complex. Around 75 workers were also injured because of the accident. They were admitted at four hospitals in the area. 

On Tuesday, the company suspended all mining operations at the Rustenburg complex in South Africa’s North West province. 

What happened to workers?

Around 86 workers were working at its No. 11 shaft. During work, 11 workers were killed after a lift dropped about 200 meters (656 feet), according to the mine’s operator. Around 75 workers suffered intense injuries. 

Nico Muller, the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director at Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., said in a statement, “Today is the darkest day in the history of Impala and our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating incident.”

The company halted operations at its Rustenburg mining complex to “mourn and heal emotionally”, a company spokesperson said.

Implats spokesman Johan Theron told the AFP news agency that most workers suffered injuries on ankle and leg. 

According to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), South Africa recorded 27 fatal mine accidents by September 2023. Last year, South Africa registered 49 mineworker deaths.

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What did the spokesperson say?

Implats spokesman Johan Theron said, “It’s impossible to quantify the impact on production save to say 11 shaft on its own is a very large complex and contributes roughly 15% of Impala Rustenburg’s production.” He could not explain how Impala’s output would be impacted by the work stoppage. 

Earlier this month, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited started offering voluntary job cuts to its workers. The company started the job cuts in a bid to reduce costs as prices for the metal fell. The company also announced plans to cut capital expenditure for some of its projects.