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'Lowest ever' mine deaths in 2014

Johannesburg - Eighty-four miners were killed in South Africa last year, the lowest ever in the country's mining history, Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said on Friday.

"It is encouraging to note that 2014 mine fatalities are the lowest ever recorded in the history of mining in South Africa," he told reporters in Pretoria.

This continued a trend that began in 2013, as mine deaths had previously been over a hundred a year.

Of the 84 deaths, 44 occurred in gold mines, 15 in platinum mines, nine in coal mines, and 16 in other mines.

Other mines include diamond, chrome, copper, and iron ore mines.

READ: Glencore mine closure not good news - union

A total of 93 miners died in 2013; 37 at gold mines, 27 at platinum mines, seven at coal mines and 22 on other mines.

The industry had made steady progress in reducing fatalities.

The 2014 figure was an 86% drop from the 615 deaths recorded in 1993.

Despite the improvement, the minister said he was concerned about the seven mineworkers who had already been killed in 2015.

"I want to convey my serious concern that we continue to experience loss of life in the sector. It is with deepest regret and sadness that so early in 2015, seven mine workers have already lost their lives."

He said it was apparent from the figures that gold and platinum mines were the main contributors to accidents and fatalities.

"This is regrettable, as we believe that these mines should be at the forefront in terms of the appropriate systems and expertise to enhance health and safety."

Workers' health and safety was crucial to mining's long-term sustainability, the minister said.

"Hence our steely resolve to implement enforcement measures in terms of the law."

The deaths were grouped into "general classification" fatalities (35%), falls-of-ground (30%), and transportation-related deaths (17%).

General classification includes inhaling dangerous fumes, being struck by an object, and falling from height.

The number of mine injuries dropped by about 18%, from 3 123 in 2013, to 2 569 in 2014.

"Although this is the lowest ever reported, the department is still greatly concerned about the high number of injuries reported at our mines," Ramatlhodi said.

This was because most of the reported injuries were not new, but mainly due to repeat accidents.

The reported number of occupational diseases dropped from 18 371 cases in 2003, to 6 810 in 2013, mainly pulmonary tuberculosis and noise-induced hearing loss.

Between 2012 and 2013, there were increases in the number of cases of TB (2 838 to 3 255), silicosis (1 420 to 1 430), and hearing loss (1 075 to 1 389).

"The gold sector continues to report a higher number of occupational diseases than all the other sectors.

"The poor implementation of health programmes at some mines remains a major concern," Ramatlhodi said.

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