Explosion at Brand One ventilation shaft in Welkom
Minor injuries reported by contractor employees
Harmony sets up operational centre to address community concerns
22 March 2015, Welkom. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (‘Harmony) advises that there was a suspected methane explosion at its Brand One ventilation shaft in Welkom, which was in the process of being rehabilitated as part of an extensive rehabilitation programme in the Free State.
The accident occurred in the late afternoon on the 21 March whilst contractors were busy filling the shaft barrel with rock. The filling process has been stopped and the area has been cordoned off. Residents in the surrounding areas are assured that there is no immediate danger and no probability of a second explosion. A full investigation into the incident has been launched. Only minor injuries were reported by the contractors on site and some properties in the area were damaged. Residents of the surrounding communities may report damages, any immediate needs or concerns relating to the explosion at a special operational centre set up by Harmony at the Silvania Spar, Koppie Allen Road, Jan Cilliers Park, Welkom as from 6:00 am on Sunday, 22 March 2015.
To report any damages, please contact either of these numbers: 057 904 8414/5/6 or send an – email to corporate@harmony.co.za.
For more details contact:
Marian van der Walt
Executive: Corporate and Investor Relations
+27 (0) 82 888 1242 (mobile)