The geology at Moab Khotsong is structurally complex, with large fault-loss areas between the three mining areas. The mine exploits the Vaal Reef as its primary orebody. Picture: Supplied
A FALL of ground incident at the deep-level Moab Khotsong mine operated by Harmony Gold in the North-West province resulted in the loss of life of an employee last week, the company said on Friday.
Harmony said recently that it needed to do more “to ensure we achieve our goal of zero loss of life and eliminate significant unwanted” events. Its lost time injury frequency regressed in the quarter to end September due to slip and fall incidents among others.
On Friday, Harmony Gold Mining announced “a loss of life at our Moab Khotsong mine near Orkney, in the North West” province.
“The incident leading to the loss of life on 28 November 2024 was due to a fall of ground,” it said.
Harmony Gold CEO, Peter Steenkamp, said the company remained committed to its “safety strategy”. The affected area had already been closed temporarily as investigations into the incident continued.
In May, Harmony Gold recorded another fatality after a rock and drill operator died due to another a fall of ground incident at the Doornkop mine, in Soweto, Gauteng province.
The Moab Khotsong operation recorded a steady performance for 2023 financial year, affected by seismicity and other operational challenges. Gold production rose marginally by 2% to 6 668kg (214 381 ounces). The recovered grade increased by 7% to 7.25g/t but was partially offset by lower tons milled.
The mine is the group’s second-largest gold operation, contributing 15% of total production. Revenue increased 22% to R7.0 billion, up from R5.7bn the previous year, mainly due to a higher gold price received.
According to Harmony, the focus in 2024 financial year is to decline sink operations at Zaaiplats during the second half of the year, with planned project capital expenditure related to the Great Noligwa pillars and Zaaiplaats project forecast at R732 million. Production guidance for 2024 financial year is 187 600 ounces to 195 600 ounces. - Tawanda Karombo.
BUSINESS REPORT