29 July 2026

SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has learnt with deep sadness of another fatality at Valterra Platinum’s Amandelbult Complex, Tumela Upper Shaft, following a fall-of-ground incident. The incident claimed the life of a 38-year-old Strata Control Officer (SCO), who was conducting a routine underground inspection. This marks Valterra Platinum’s fourth fatality of 2026 and comes just three days before a scheduled safety meeting between AMCU, other unions and Valterra management to address the increasing number of fatalities. AMCU is deeply concerned by the worsening fatality trend across the South African mining industry, with 39 fatalities recorded to date in 2026 compared with 32 during the same period in 2025. Valterra reported a 4% increase in production for the period ending June 2026. Production should never come at the cost of four lives. Any production gain is meaningless if mineworkers are not returning home safely. The true measure of performance is not only tonnes produced but lives protected.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has received the devastating news of yet another mining fatality at Valterra Platinum’s Amandelbult Complex, Tumela Upper Shaft, in Limpopo. 

According to preliminary information, on Monday, 27 July 2026, at approximately 10:15, a fatal fall-of-ground incident occurred at Section 126 of Tumela Upper Shaft. A 38-year-old female Strata Control Officer (SCO), originally from the Eastern Cape, was conducting a routine inspection at a development end when a rock detached from both the sidewall and hanging wall, fatally injuring her. 

Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The deceased had been employed as a Strata Control Officer at the operation since 2023. 

AMCU extends its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. No family should lose a loved one simply because they went to work. 

This tragedy is the fourth fatality recorded at Valterra Platinum this year and comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between AMCU, other unions and Valterra Platinum management on 30 July 2026, where the alarming increase in fatalities and deteriorating safety performance will be discussed. 

“These fatalities have occurred at a time when Valterra Platinum has been reporting increased production. For the period ending June 2026, the company reported a 4% increase in production. Yet, before the end of July, four mineworkers had lost their lives. This raises serious concerns about whether production targets are being prioritised over the safety of employees. There can never be a trade-off between production and human life”, said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa. 

AMCU is equally alarmed by the worsening safety performance across the South African mining industry. According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), 39 mining fatalities have been recorded so far in 2026, compared with 32 fatalities during the same period in 2025. This upward trend demonstrates that current interventions are failing to adequately protect mineworkers. 

“The death of another mineworker is both painful and unacceptable. A Strata Control Officer is responsible for identifying and managing ground control risks, yet she lost her life to the very hazard she was employed to prevent. This tragedy raises serious questions about ground support standards, workplace examinations, compliance with the applicable code of practice, supervision, and whether all identified hazards had been effectively addressed before work commenced”, said Mathunjwa. 

“Tomorrow’s meeting with Valterra Platinum cannot be another routine engagement. It must produce measurable commitments and urgent interventions. Mineworkers deserve to return home safely after every shift, and AMCU will continue to hold employers accountable until meaningful improvements are achieved”, he added. 

The areas of focus at the meeting scheduled for 30 July 2026 will include: 

• A comprehensive review of all recent fatal and serious injury incidents to identify recurring causes and corrective actions. 
• An urgent audit of ground control management systems, support standards, workplace examinations and compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act and the applicable ground control code of practice. 
• Clear timelines and accountability from management to reduce fatalities and restore confidence in the mine’s safety systems. 

“We call upon Valterra to join us in our clarion call for a comprehensive review of the Mine Health and Safety Act to strengthen the protection of mineworkers and ensure that every workplace is healthy and safe”, Mathunjwa concluded. 

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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.