Kloof 4 shaft produces an average of about 9 650 oz a month, or 115 743 oz/y
Diversified miner Sibanye-Stillwater announced on August 1 that management has suspended all operations at its Kloof gold mine 4 shaft, after an incident occurred at the Ikamva shaft on July 30, while investigations are under way.
“During a standard safety trial run of the conveyance system, conducted prior to hoisting employees up the shaft, infrastructure damage occurred when the ascending counterweight to the conveyance encountered an unknown obstruction in the shaft, resulting in a number of ballast plates falling down the shaft.
“As a result of the incident, access through the shaft to underground levels between 39 and 46 levels was restricted,” states Sibanye.
The miner also points out that the incident occurred between shifts and all employees below 39 level were safely brought to the surface without any injuries sustained.
Power has subsequently been restored to the shaft area allowing the pumping of water from the shaft bottom to commence.
“Teams have started working on ensuring the safety of the shaft to facilitate and plan essential repairs within the shaft barrel and assess the extent of the infrastructure damage below 39 level.
“The extent of structural damage to the shaft steelwork has not yet been established but may result in a significant delay to the resumption of operations below 39 level.”
Sibanye also adds that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as the trade unions, have been informed.
Kloof 4 shaft produces an average of about 9 650 oz a month, or 115 743 oz/y, which accounts for about 14% of yearly production from the company’s gold operations (excluding gold miner DRDGold).