Moab Khotsong is one of Harmony’s deep-level gold mining operations and, like many underground mines in South Africa, is exposed to seismic activity that can trigger rockfalls and ground instability.
Image: Supplied
Harmony Gold has confirmed the death of an employee following a seismicity-related fall-of-ground incident at its Moab Khotsong mine near Orkney in the North West province.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Friday, and has once again highlighted the safety risks associated with deep-level mining operations in South Africa.
Last month, two employees died in a tragic shaft engineering‑related incident at Harmony's Mponeng mine near Carletonville. In March, another worker was killed in underground incident involving rock breaking equipment at Harmony's Target 1 mine in the Free State, near Odendaalsrus.
In a statement on Monday, Harmony expressed its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased employee and said support was being provided to those affected by the tragedy.
The company has not released the identity of the deceased employee, pending notification of family members and the completion of necessary procedures.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” the company said. “Management is providing support to the family and affected employees during this difficult time.”
Moab Khotsong is one of Harmony’s deep-level gold mining operations and, like many underground mines in South Africa, is exposed to seismic activity that can trigger rockfalls and ground instability.
The company said all relevant stakeholders had been informed of the incident and that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances that led to the fatality.
The investigation is being led by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), which is responsible for overseeing mine safety and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.
Harmony CEO, Beyers Nel, said the company was deeply saddened by the loss and would work closely with authorities to understand what had happened.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time,” Nel said.
“Safety is our foremost priority, and we will work closely with the DMPR to understand the circumstances of this incident and ensure that the necessary lessons are applied across our operations.”
The fatality comes as the mining industry continues to focus on improving safety standards and reducing workplace accidents, particularly in deep-level underground operations where geological conditions can present significant challenges.
Mining companies have increasingly invested in technology, monitoring systems and enhanced safety procedures to mitigate risks associated with seismic events and fall-of-ground incidents.
However, industry stakeholders acknowledge that such incidents remain among the most serious hazards facing underground miners.
Harmony said it would cooperate fully with the DMPR-led investigation and implement any recommendations arising from the inquiry to help prevent similar incidents in future.
BUSINESS REPORT