Impala Platinum Holdings(Implats) has confirmed the death of 11 employees and the hospitalisation of 75 after a tragic incident occurred at 11 Shaft at Rusternburg.
The company statement reads:"Impala Platinum Holdings Limited(Implats) is devastated to report that 11 employees tragically lost their lives in the serious accident at Impala Rusternburg's 11 Shaft at 16:54 yesterday afternoon.A further 75 employees were injured in the accident and were transferred and admitted for treatment to four hospitals in the region.The mine rescue operation is complete and all 86 employees are accounted for."
The mining giant has confirmed that right now is in the process to consult with affected families,employees representative and department which responsible for mines,and the operations suspended on Tuesday.
The company said we are presently in the process of informing and liaising with the impacted families in consultation with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union(AMCU) and are working closely with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy(DMRE).All mining operations at Impala Rusternburg are suspended.
The leadership of the mining company has expressed their deepest shock about what happened at 11 Shaft and also thanked emergency services who helped to rescue employees which were trapped underground.
Implats CEO,Nico Muller,said:"This is the darkest day in the history of Implats and our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devastating accident.We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next of kin have been contacted.Implats is offering ongoing support to the families and colleagues of those lost in service.We also hold our injured colleagues in our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to the local medical services from the Bojanala District and the Impala Medical Services team who worked tirelessly during this crisis to provide the necessary emergency paramedics services,secure additional ICU beds and ambulances,mobilise additional general surgeons and secure the support of three private hospitals to assist our Impala Hospital in caring for the critically injured.
We are also extremely grateful to all the proto and rescue teams for their tireless and courageous efforts,working under very difficult circumstances,to rescue our 11 Shaft team members.We value the efforts of all stakeholders coming together in this extremely difficult time,particularly the emergency responders."
According to Implats statement,on Monday,27 November 2023,the 11 Shaft personnel conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift.At 16:54,the conveyance unexpectedly started descending.It's rapid descent was stopped by the conveyance counterweight becoming trapped by the jack catches.All emergency protocols were observed during the event and paramedics and our proto(search and rescue) teams were immediately mobilised.
The company also maintained that an investigations into the cause of the incident have commenced and Implats will provide updates when new information becomes available.