Analysis: 77 mining fatalities in 2015

The minister of mineral resources announced the latest mining health and safety statistics on Thursday. Once again, there were a record-low number of fatalities. But there’s still a long way to go to achieve the “Zero Harm” goals. By GREG NICOLSON.

Deaths in the mining sector continue to reduce, with a record-low 77 fatalities reported in 2015. That is 8% lower than the 84 deaths in 2014, said Mineral Resources Minister, Mosebenzi Zwane on Thursday, presenting the annual mining health and safety statistics in Pretoria. Over 100 miners died in 2012 and 93 in 2013 – a vast improvement from the 615 fatalities recorded in 1994.

Zwane said the improvement was encouraging and the industry was moving in the right direction towards its “Zero Harm” objectives. “It is noteworthy that 2015 saw the lowest-ever fatalities recorded in the mining sector. This is encouraging and an indication that our combined efforts as stakeholders are bearing fruit‚” he was quoted by TMG News Wire.