Final update: Doornkop mine
Johannesburg. Friday, 7 February 2014: With deep sadness, Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (“Harmony” and/or “the company”) advises that rescue workers have located and are in the process of recovering the body of the mineworker who was unaccounted for following Tuesday evening’s underground seismic event, rockfall and fire at the company’s Doornkop mine. This brings to nine the number of mineworkers who died, and all are now accounted for.Eight mineworkers who made their way to a refuge bay on 192 level, where the rockfall and fire occurred, were brought safely to surface by rescue workers Wednesday morning.
Condolences
Harmony CEO Graham Briggs repeated his personal condolences, and those of the company’s board of directors and management to the family, friends and colleagues of those who died.
“Families have been brought to the mine by the company, where they will be provided with the support they need at this time.”
All involved in rescue efforts praised.
Briggs praised the scores of rescue workers who volunteered their services, under the auspices of the Mines Rescue Service, for their “unstinting, round-the-clock” commitment to search and rescue process.
“The rescue teams’ common spirit of selflessness, courage and camaraderie has been an inspiration to us all at this sad time. We are deeply grateful to all involved in the rescue mission – the rescue teams, management, the unions and the Department of Mineral Resources.”
Memorial service
A memorial service for those who died will take place at Doornkop mine on Wednesday, the 12th of February 2014.
Investigation
Briggs said a priority now will be an intensive investigation into the cause of the Doornkop tragedy, involving representatives of the company, organised labour and the health and safety directorate of the Department of Mineral Resources.
For more details contact:
Russell and Associates
Charmane Russell / James Duncan
Tel: +27 (0)11 880 3924
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 372 5816 / +27 (0) 82 318 9855