Search and rescue efforts continue at Harmony’s Kusasalethu mine
Difficult ground conditions hampering the process
Johannesburg. 27 August 2017. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (“Harmony” or the “Company”) advises that mine management, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) inspectorate and representatives of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) today inspected the area where five employees were trapped underground on Friday, 25 August. This follows a seismic event that resulted in a fall of ground approximately 3,100 metres below surface, at the Kusasalethu Mine.
Sadly, two employees who had succumbed to their injuries, were found and brought to surface in the past 48 hours.
Search and rescue efforts have continued since the incident, with Harmony employees and specially trained volunteer rescue teams from Harmony and other mines operating around the clock. At any one time up to six rescue teams are operational underground.
The parties who participated in the inspection today noted that the challenging ground conditions have made rescue efforts particularly difficult.
Efforts to reach the remaining employees will continue until each and every employee has been found. Harmony suspended all operations at the mine shortly after the accident occurred.
The families of the deceased employees, and of those employees who remain trapped, have been notified, and brought to the mine where they have chosen to do so. They are receiving support from the company in these difficult times.
For more details contact:
Lauren Fourie
Investor Relations Manager
+27 (0) 71 607 1498 (mobile)
Marian van der Walt
Executive: Corporate and Investor Relations
+27 (0) 82 888 1242 (mobile)
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Harmony), a world-class gold mining and exploration company, has operations and assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Harmony, which has more than 60 years’ experience in the industry, is the third largest gold producer in South Africa. Our assets include one open pit mine and several exploration tenements in PNG, as well as 9 underground mines and 1 open pit operation and several surface sources in South Africa. In addition, we own 50% of the significant Golpu project in a joint venture in PNG.
The company’s primary stock exchange listing is on the JSE with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The bulk of our shareholders are in South Africa and the United States. Additional information on the company is available on the corporate website, www.harmony.co.za.