Lonmin reports underground death of miner

Mining company Lonmin confirmed the death of one of its workers, Thembelani Manyana, during a “fall-of-ground” accident at the K3 shaft on Sunday.

In a statement yesterday, Lonmin spokesperson Wendy Tlou said Manyana succumbed to head injuries while being evacuated from underground.

The statement read: “This fatality is sad and disappointing as it ends a successful 15-month fatality-free period at Lonmin.

“A delegation visited his wife and extended family in Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape yesterday to inform them about the tragic accident. Manyana’s family will receive support from the company. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.”

In August, the Minerals Council SA revealed that 58 mineworkers had died in South African mines since the beginning of the year. This compares to the 51 deaths reported during the same period lasy year.

The council admitted the industry was facing serious safety problems. – Citizen reporter