Concern over illegal miners’ deaths
THE CHAMBER of Mines said on Friday it was deeply concerned that 31 people have died in what appears to have been an underground methane explosion at Eland Shaft mine in Welkom, a closed mine in the Free State. Free State police have said that the preliminary investigation indicated that the deaths were as a result of an explosion that occurred at a ventilation shaft about 13km from Eland Shaft mine on May 11. Chamber of Mines president, Mike Teke, said that deep level underground mining required a vast investment of funds and technology, as well as knowledge, expertise and the right equipment. The Eland shaft was mined to a depth of 3 000 metres when it was operational. Teke said illegal mining in such deep level shafts where no protective measures are in place can be exceptionally dangerous and, unfortunately, often lethal. Mining companies usually put considerable effort into rendering nonoperational shafts safe, including by completely blocking access to the shafts. Illegal miners then force entry to them. “Illegal mining – in which high-level and international syndicates are the primary beneficiaries – remains a significant challenge for companies, government and the SAPS, as well as communities,” Teke said. “The chamber acknowledges that poverty and the lack of alternative opportunities are often at the root of illegal mining activities, and that much more needs to be done to ensure that the benefits of legitimate mining activities reach local and laboursending communities.” He said the chamber had been engaging with the Department of Mineral Resources and other parties to see how small and emerging miners could be assisted in becoming part of a legitimate and vibrant junior mining sector. –ANA