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South Africa: At least 8 dead in gold mine accident
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Harmony Gold, said the fire broke out on Tuesday evening after an earthquake damaged ventilation and water pipes as well as power cables.
However, NUM questioned safety standards at the mine, saying the rescued miners reported that the ventilation system in one of the refuge chambers was letting in fumes.
“It does tell us that the rescue chambers were not according to safety standards,” NUM Secretary General Frans Baleni told reporters. “We cannot just say that it is regrettable. Heads most roll should the investigation find that there was negligence.”
A Harmony Gold spokeswoman said it was possible the refuge bays might have been compromised either in the earthquake or the fire that followed. An investigation by government, union, and the company’s officials was already underway, she said.
Operations have been halted at the mine, which produces nearly 10 percent of Harmony’s gold, and a prolonged safety shutdown could hit the company hard.
Harmony Gold posted a quarterly loss last week due to a subdued bullion price and production problems at its key Khusalethu mine.
Source: Reuters
