Mining deaths rise in South Africa

Ninety-four workers died at South African mines in the first quarter — 47% more than the 64 who died in the comparable period of 2001.

Health and safety inspectors have responded by threatening to close mines that do not comply with national standards, especially those with high accident rates.

The country’s mining industry reported 298 deaths last year, up from 285 in 2000. This year’s deaths in gold mines numbered 39 by the end of March, compared with 36 in the first three months of 2001.

The local mining industry’s fatality rate — the number of fatalities per 1,000 workers — was 0.43% last year. By comparison, the U.S. had a fatality rate of 0.42%; Australia, 0.37%.

South Africa’s gold mines are among the most dangerous in the world, with a fatality rate of 0.5%. However, its platinum mines have an average of 0.3% fatalities per 1,000 workers, making them safer than those in the U.S. and Australia.

The South African Chamber of mines says gold, platinum and coal mines account for more than 85% of the country’s mining workforce and make up about 93% of all accidents and 88% of all deaths.

In early May, inspectors suspended operations at the Haretebeesfontein mine of Durban Roodepoort Deep when two miners were killed after being struck by an unsecured conveyor belt.