South African mines see Covid-19 related deaths rise to 28

With some 28 mineworkers having lost their lives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and 3 519 infections, the Minerals Council plans to conduct an analysis to review of the positive cases across the sector to determine similarities and possible areas of transmission and high risk.

The council which represents companies in the mining sector said it analysis will review the case files of up to 2,000 individuals who have tested positive.

"This analysis will improve and accelerate learnings in support of the Minerals Council’s COVID-19 response and surveillance," the council said in a statement on Thursday.

The process will analyse deaths cases that occurred up to 20 June. The first coronavirus related death in the mining industry was reported on 18 May, after the easing of the hard lockdown which saw a gradual return to production.

The North West platinum mining belt is still leading the number of infections and deaths, with 16 fatalities coming from the region.

Companies in the meantime are engaged in employee and community awareness campaigns around the virus, including stigmatisation.