Rescued miner dies of his injuries

A second miner trapped at Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited’s Kusasalethu mine near Carletonville since Friday morning, has been brought to the surface, Harmony Gold said.

“Regrettably, he succumbed to his injuries,” the company said in a statement yesterday. Three employees are unaccounted for and rescue efforts will continue.

“Our sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased. We will not rest until the other three employees have been found and brought to the surface. Our efforts continue to focus on reaching our colleagues as quickly and safely as possible,” CEO Peter Steenkamp said.

On Saturday, the body of one of the five miners trapped at Kusasalethu mine was brought to the surface. “Sadly, he died of his injuries,” the company said.

The incident followed a seismic event 3 100m below the surface at 10.30am on Friday, which resulted in a fall of ground, Harmony said.

“All operations at the mine, other than those related to the rescue, have been suspended. Rescue efforts will continue until the five men have been found.”

About 3 000 miners were working when sections of the mine collapsed at around 10.30am.

It was unclear whether the collapse was caused by mining activity or seismic waves. “All the miners were accounted for except the five,” Harmony said. – ANA