Tragedy Deepens: Death Toll at Impala Platinum Mine Reaches 12 as Worker Succumbs in Hospital

The Impala Platinum Mine death toll has risen to 12 after a worker died in the hospital on Wednesday following the shaft accident in Rustenburg, North West. On Tuesday, IOL reported that 11 mineworkers lost their lives when the personnel conveyance, known as the cage, transporting the miners fell into a shaft, resulting in at least 75 workers ending up in hospital.

In an update on Wednesday, Impala Platinum Mine confirmed the 12th worker’s death, expressing deep sadness and regret. Of the 86 employees involved in the accident, 74 remain hospitalised. The company has suspended production across the entire Impala Rustenburg mining complex for mourning, audits, and investigations into the accident. It has also pledged ongoing support to the families of the deceased and financial assistance for their funerals through the “we care” program.

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Production at specific shafts will remain suspended until regulatory approval is granted for resumption. The incident occurred during a routine back-shift procedure, and the company is conducting internal and third-party audits on conveyance and winding systems. The conveyance elevator, widely used in South Africa and globally, could carry 130 people, with 88 workers on board during the incident.

The company employs around 50,000 people at its Rustenburg operations and will resume production at other shafts today, November 30.

Also read:

Tragedy Strikes: 11 Miners Lose Their Lives at Rustenburg Mine

Picture: Facebook / Titoyin’s Blog

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