NUM officials will press ahead with safety questions at Stillwater-Sibanye’s Kloof operations

JOHANNESBURG - Senior officials at the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said they will press ahead with questions about safety at Stillwater-Sibanye’s Kloof operations after 260 workers were stuck underground for hours since Thursday night. 

The large group couldn't resurface after their shift when the hoist system used to access parts of shaft 7 was damaged.

They were finally rescued on Friday night, with no injuries or fatalities reported. 

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Frustrations and tensions ran high at the perimeter of the mine when the relatives of the trapped mineworkers called for answers about the well-being of their loved ones. 

Senior officials from NUM had been on site for hours, trying to be the go-between for the anxious families and mine management. 

Preliminary investigations blame the incident on a mechanical error. 

However, NUM’s health and safety chairperson, Duncan Luvuno, said they have more questions than answers. 

“We have agreed that on Monday we will be having a meeting, where we will be venting out what we are unhappy about it and what needs to be improved.”

On Friday, rescued mineworkers told Eyewitness News that they don’t believe the company flouted any safety protocols.

“We were scared underground, but we don’t have concerns about being back at work because we think this was just a mistake. We are safe at the mine,” a tired but relieved mineworker said.

Further safety assessments are expected to be concluded at shaft 7 before operations resume next week.