KEY POINTS
Key Points:
- South Africa’s mining sector recorded 42 fatalities in 2024, a 24% decline from 2023, achieving its lowest-ever annual fatality count.
- Occupational injuries dropped 16% year-over-year to 1,841 cases, with occupational diseases also declining by 17% due to focused health interventions.
- Collaborative efforts among stakeholders and innovative programs like Khumbul’ekhaya drive South Africa’s progress toward a Zero Harm mining industry.
The South African mining industry reached unprecedented safety milestones in 2024, reflecting its ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety and reducing fatalities.Â
This progress was highlighted by Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the Minerals Council South Africa, as they reviewed the year’s achievements and remaining challenges.
Historic low in fatalities and enhanced safety measures
According to Miningreview, the sector reported a record low of 42 fatalities in 2024, a 24% improvement from the 55 deaths recorded in 2023. This marks a critical step forward in the industry’s drive toward Zero Harm, achieved through collaboration among government, mining companies, and labour unions.
Fatalities by commodity saw substantial reductions:
- Gold sector: 11 fatalities, a 45 percent improvement from 20 in 2023.
- Platinum sector: 19 fatalities, a 14% reduction from 22 in 2023.
- Coal sector: 6 fatalities, down from 7 in 2023.
- Other mines: 6 fatalities, matching the 2023 figure.
Key accident categories, such as falls of ground (FOG), machinery incidents, and shaft conveyance failures, saw notable improvements. FOG fatalities declined by 13%, while machinery-related deaths dropped by 67 percent. Additionally, no shaft conveyance fatalities were recorded in 2024, compared to one major incident in 2023 that claimed 13 lives.
Decline in injuries and occupational diseases
The sector also reported a 16% reduction in occupational injuries, with 1,841 cases in 2024 compared to 2,181 in 2023. Occupational diseases decreased by 17% to 1,864 cases, down from 2,233 the previous year. Improvements were particularly evident in sectors like manganese, iron, chrome, coal, and platinum. Diseases such as silicosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis saw declines, although non-communicable diseases remain a concern.
Women in mining: progress and priorities
For women in mining, 2024 marked a year without fatalities, though injuries among female workers remained significant, totaling 185, down from 234 in 2023. Minister Mantashe emphasized the need for continued focus on creating safer and more inclusive environments for female mineworkers.
Addressing illegal mining
Illegal mining poses a significant challenge, with an estimated R60 billion lost to illicit activities in 2024. The government’s Operation Vala Umgodi targeted illegal operations in critical provinces, demonstrating a strong commitment to tackling this issue.
Collaborative efforts and future goals
The sector’s achievements were driven by collaborative efforts involving the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Minerals Council, and organized labour. Initiatives like the MOSH Learning Hub and the Masoyise Health Programme have played pivotal roles in improving health and safety standards.
Looking forward, the launch of Khumbul’ekhaya Version 2 aims to build on these successes by emphasizing leadership, innovation, and accountability. The strategy incorporates advanced technologies, robust risk management, and leading practices, reinforcing the sector’s vision of returning every worker home safe and healthy each day.
Through these efforts, South Africa’s mining industry is poised to maintain its momentum, modernize its operations, and set global benchmarks in health and safety.
