Kloof mine is an intermediate to ultra-deep level gold mining operation situated along the West Wits Line of the Witwatersrand Basin near Randfontein and Westonaria, about 60 kilometres west of Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for urgent accountability and a comprehensive safety audit following the deaths of two workers at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof 8 shaft near Glenharvie in Westonaria.
Kloof mine is an intermediate to ultra-deep level gold mining operation situated along the West Wits Line of the Witwatersrand Basin near Randfontein and Westonaria, about 60 kilometres west of Johannesburg.
In a statement on Sunday, the union expressed deep sorrow and concern over the fatal incident, which occurred a week before during preparations for a shaft examination by a subcontracted team at the K8/Masimthembe shaft operations.
According to preliminary information, the two workers fell into a shaft estimated to be about 2,000 metres deep after an inspection platform detached from the main winder conveyance and descended uncontrollably during a routine shaft inspection.
NUM said the tragedy once again exposed serious safety shortcomings in the mining industry and raised questions about operational oversight at one of the country’s deepest gold mining operations.
“The safety and lives of mineworkers must always take precedence over production and profit,” the union said.
The union extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased and accused the company of failing to ensure adequate safety measures during high-risk activities.
NUM identified several systemic issues it believes contributed to the incident, including what it described as lapses in supervision, excessive outsourcing of core mining work, labour brokering practices and production pressure placed on workers.
The union said it was particularly concerned that the shaft examination reportedly took place outside the normal schedule for such inspections, arguing that this may have increased operational risks.
NUM further criticised the growing reliance on subcontractors in mining operations, saying fragmented accountability often weakens safety standards and exposes workers to unsafe working conditions.
As part of its demands, the union called on the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the accident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
It also demanded that all operations at the affected shaft remain suspended until a comprehensive safety audit has been completed.
Last week, Sibanye-Stillwater confirmed the deaths and said investigations were under way in line with regulatory requirements. The company said authorities, including the DMPR and organised labour representatives, had been notified.
The mining group said operations at the affected shaft had been halted pending the outcome of investigations, although no damage was reported to the shaft infrastructure.
“The family and colleagues of the deceased are receiving counselling, and the family will be provided with support during this difficult time,” the company said.
The incident again places a spotlight on safety challenges facing South Africa’s mining industry despite improvements in overall fatality rates in recent years.
According to the Minerals Council South Africa, mining fatalities declined slightly to 41 in 2025, while serious injuries dropped by 12%. However, the council has warned that fall-of-ground incidents and other underground accidents remain a major concern across the sector.
BUSINESS REPORT