Safety audit at Vatukoula Gold Mines continues

The safety audit which forced the closure of the underground mining operations at the Vatukoula Gold Mines is still ongoing.

The main focus is on improving communication with workers. Corporate services manager Dinny Laufenboeck confirmed yesterday that the audit into the safety operations of underground mining was still in process. The mining operations were closed down by the Department of Mineral Resources on April 18 following a series of accidents and a death recently. Mine Inspectors from the Department of Mineral Resources were carrying out the safety audit. Ms Laufenboeck said all workers were at work and on full pay.

“Surface operations continue as normal whilst underground workers are undergoing refresher training for their job categories and safety,” Ms Laufenboeck said. However, Ms Laufenboeck said no worker was affected by the closure of underground operations.

She also could not confirm yesterday as to how many injuries to workers had been recorded since the beginning of the year. “I will need to confirm with our OHS manager and will reply as soon as possible,” she said.

“We have taken a number of steps, principally improving on communications and are working closely with the Department of Mineral Resources.”