JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) on Friday called for criminal charges to be brought against the owners and mine management at Vantage Goldfields’ Lily mine, in Barberton, Mpumalanga, after workers became trapped following a fall-of-ground incident earlier on Friday.

It was reported that, at the start of the morning shift, the main crown pillar collapsed into the underground open stopes.

Citing “gross negligence” as the cause for more than 100 miners having been trapped at the shallow, underground operation, the union also called on the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to suspend mine operations until a thorough investigation had been conducted.

According to AMCU, there were now three miners unaccounted for at the operation.

It added that over 115 of its members had been trapped, 75 of whom had now been rescued.

AMCU said it condemned mine management, the Chamber of Mines, the DMR and the Department of Labour for “absolute criminal negligence” toward mineworkers in South Africa.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) also expressed concern about the continuing trend of mineworkers being trapped underground in the mining industry.

“We are also worried about the number of fatalities that are increasing in the mining industry.

"We call on employers to come out of their comfort zone and take the issue of health and safety seriously," said NUM health and safety secretary Erick Gcilitshana.

Solidarity Lydenburg region organsier Quintus Sliep said that the trade union would do everything in its power to assist the search and rescue team to find those workers who are still missing.

“Solidarity has members at the mine and we will support our members,” he confirmed.

Australia-based Vantage, which prides itself on having a workforce drawn from local communities, also operates the Barbrook gold mine in the Barberton goldfields.

DMR SUPPORT
Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane said it was worrying that the sector was experiencing "serious incidents and fatalities" so early in the year and called on employers and employees to be vigilant in matters relating to the health and safety of workers.

“We urge all parties to continue prioritising safety so that we can realise our ultimate goal of zero harm. It is imperative that each mineworker returns home, unharmed, every day,” he added.

The health and safety statistics for 2015 showed fatalities at their lowest-ever levels, along with an overall improvement in the injury rate.

Chamber of Mines president Mike Teke, meanwhile, said the chamber was "shocked and saddened" to hear about the incident.

“Our thoughts are with those who were involved in the accident.

“We also offer our appreciation for the work of the Mine Rescue Services, and specifically its volunteer members from Steelpoort who have been assisting in finding and rescuing the three people who are still missing and believed to have been in the collapsed lamp room on surface.”