25 July 2026
SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) is angered by two deaths at Impala Platinum’s Rustenburg Operations within two days, bringing the number of fatalities at the operations this year to seven. Impala has agreed to AMCU’s request for an Emergency Safety Briefing on 28 July 2026. AMCU is also calling for joint shaft safety audits, the inclusion of the PDS manufacturer in the investigation and stronger accountability under the Mine Health and Safety Act.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) is angered by the deaths of two employees at Impala Platinum’s Rustenburg Operations in the North West Province within two days.
The first death was reported at Impala 10 Shaft on 23 July 2026 at approximately 18:00, when an employee was declared unresponsive by paramedics. The cause of death remains under investigation.
In the second incident, a fatal rail-bound equipment accident occurred at 14 Shaft, 27 Level Tips, at approximately 2:25 on Friday, 24 July 2026.
According to a report received by AMCU, Locomotive 437 was hauling fully loaded hoppers from 27 UG2 when it derailed at the tipping section. While efforts were underway to re-rail one of the derailed hoppers, Locomotive 440 collided with the hopper. The operator of Locomotive 440 was pinned against the sidewall and sustained fatal injuries.
The deceased was a 48-year-old male employee from Phokeng in the North West Province. He had eleven months’ service at the shaft. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate has commenced an investigation.
These deaths bring the number of employees who have lost their lives at Impala Platinum’s operations this year to seven.
“May their souls rest in peace”, said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.
The latest accident is the second rail-bound equipment fatality at Impala Platinum during July 2026 and the third rail-bound equipment-related fatality at the operations within a year. This disturbing pattern points to systemic safety failures that require immediate intervention.
AMCU has written to Impala Platinum Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nico Muller demanding urgent action.
“In our letter, we requested that Impala urgently organise an Emergency Safety Briefing, preceded by a controlled safety stoppage of operations, while maintaining essential safety and emergency arrangements, so that all employees can be addressed at a Central Mass Meeting”, said Mathunjwa.
This Emergency Safety Briefing was requested to take place on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. Impala has since agreed with the request.
“Following the Emergency Safety Briefing, joint inspection teams must visit every shaft to assess compliance with safety standards and identify immediate workplace hazards. These teams must include AMCU representatives, elected Health and Safety Representatives, management representatives and independent safety experts”, he added.
The Union furthermore requested that the audit findings must be consolidated into a single Safety Compliance Audit Report, which identifies the corrective measures required, the persons responsible for implementing them and the applicable deadlines.
A Proximity Detection System (PDS) uses sensors and warning devices to detect nearby rail-bound equipment, persons or obstructions. Depending on its design and configuration, it may alert the operator or automatically slow down and stop the locomotive when a collision risk is detected. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) designs or supplies the system and provides the applicable technical specifications and operating requirements. Its effectiveness depends on correct installation and configuration, proper calibration, regular testing and maintenance, and successful integration with the locomotive’s braking and control systems.
“We will also demand that the OEM responsible for the PDS installed on the locomotives be formally included in the investigation”, Mathunjwa said. “It must be established why the system did not detect the collision risk and prevent Locomotive 440 from colliding with the derailed hopper”, he added.
AMCU deployed senior officials to the site of the accident on Friday (24 July 2026), and a meeting with Impala management will take place on Monday, 27 July 2026.
The Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) places clear responsibilities on those involved in mine safety. Sections 2 and 5 require the employer to ensure that the mine is designed, equipped and operated safely, and to provide and maintain a working environment and equipment that are safe and without risk to employees’ health. Section 21 requires any person who designs, manufactures, repairs, imports or supplies equipment for use at a mine to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that it is safe and without risk when properly used. AMCU has made several proposals to strengthen the provisions and the enforcement of the MHSA.
“As we have done for decades, we repeat our clarion call for the Mine Health and Safety Act to be strengthened and strictly enforced. The duties of the bosses as contained in the Act cannot remain words on paper while breadwinners continue to be killed. Mine bosses, responsible engineers and, where applicable, OEMs whose safety-critical systems fail must face real consequences. Until those responsible are personally held accountable, the killing of mineworkers will continue”, Mathunjwa concluded.
*ENDS*
737 words excluding summary, heading and other text
For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.