3 November 2026
SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has received a report that a 42-year-old Rock Drill Operator was killed in an explosion at Sefateng Chrome Mine in Limpopo Province on 30 October 2026, bringing the national mining fatality toll for 2026 to 57. The Union has condemned recurring fatal incidents involving known hazards and demanded evidence that lessons, safety recommendations, and corrective measures arising from previous incidents are being implemented.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has received a report that a 42-year-old Rock Drill Operator was killed in an explosion at Sefateng Chrome Mine, situated on Farm Zwartkoppies 413 KS in Limpopo Province, on Friday, 30 October 2026.
According to preliminary information received by the Union, the incident occurred at approximately 13:40 at 3 Level West, Raise 2, Panel 1, while the Rock Drill Operator was drilling an Advanced Strike Gully (ASG) face. The mineworker reportedly drilled into a misfire, triggering an explosion that killed him. A Winch Operator sustained injuries from flying debris, while a Miner’s Assistant was left traumatised after witnessing the incident.
“Our condolences go to the family, friends, and colleagues of the comrade whose life was cut short while performing his duties. May his soul rest in peace. We also wish the injured employee a speedy recovery and extend our support to the worker who witnessed this horrific incident and was left traumatised by what happened. The consequences of mine fatalities extend far beyond the underground workplace and leave families and colleagues to carry the devastating impact”, said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. AMCU’s branch and regional representatives will participate in the investigation to establish how the explosion occurred and whether all the required safety precautions, procedures, and controls were properly implemented.
“Mineworkers continue to die in incidents involving hazards that the mining industry has encountered repeatedly. The industry has decades of operational experience, together with the findings of numerous investigations and safety recommendations. Yet mineworkers continue to be killed in recurring types of incidents, including Falls of Ground, Mud Rushes, Winch-related incidents, Transportation-related incidents, and Explosives-related incidents arising from misfires”, he explained.
“The fundamental question is what the mining industry has actually learnt from previous fatal incidents and, more importantly, what corrective measures have been implemented to prevent their recurrence”, Mathunjwa said.
“It is unacceptable that the mining industry continues to record fatalities involving known and recurring hazards. Investigations, reports, recommendations, and safety commitments mean very little if they do not translate into effective underground controls that prevent fatalities. With the national mining fatality toll standing at 57, mining companies must show what has been learnt from previous incidents and how those lessons have been translated into action”, he pointed out.
“We cannot continue to speak about Zero Harm while known hazards repeatedly claim lives. Safety commitments must be backed by effective implementation, proper supervision, adequate training, and personal accountability. Those responsible for maintaining safe working environments must be held personally accountable. Every mineworker’s right to return home safely after every shift must be treated as a non-negotiable obligation, not an aspiration”, Mathunjwa concluded.
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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.