4 February 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has condemned the killing of five (5) mineworkers at Harmony’s Doornkop and Joel mines. AMCU labels these disasters as part of a broader pattern of neglect and exploitation within the mining industry, declaring that such incidents are no longer mere accidents but acts of corporate genocide. The Union demands urgent accountability and government intervention to prevent further loss of life.
AMCU has expressed deep anger over yet another preventable loss of life at the Doornkop mine, in the West Rand region. An explosion at approximately 10:30 this morning (4 February 2025) left two (2) mineworkers dead and four (4) others seriously injured. Initial reports from AMCU members on-site indicate that the explosion resulted from a misfire, as machine operators were actively drilling at the time. However, the mine’s management remains uncertain, claiming that further investigation will only reveal the truth tomorrow.
“This is unacceptable! Why must we wait another day while workers continue to be treated as expendable”, asked AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa, who is being briefed by those on site.
Just hours after the Doornkop disaster, tragedy struck at Harmony’s Joel Mine in the Free State, where a fall of ground occurred at approximately 12:07 in workplace 137 E3 E1A. According to initial reports, while the crew was preparing the face for drilling after declaring the workplace safe, a sudden fall of ground trapped three (3) employees. Sadly, all three workers were recovered but had already succumbed to their injuries.
The next of kin of the deceased employees are currently being informed. AMCU extends its deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends. The DMPR and all relevant stakeholders have been notified, and the workplace has been stopped pending rescue and subsequent investigation.
“Enough is enough! How many more lives must be sacrificed at the altar of corporate greed? We are sick and tired of mine bosses prioritising production over the safety of workers,” Mathunjwa said. “These mines, like many others, have a history of negligence, and we demand immediate accountability.”
Mathunjwa made it clear that AMCU will not tolerate continued safety violations in the mining industry. “We refuse to accept a mining industry where black workers are treated as disposable tools, used to extract wealth for the benefit of a few! The blood of our comrades is on the hands of those who continue to ignore safety concerns,” he said.
“These are no longer accidents but genocide! How can we continue to call these tragedies ‘accidents’ when they happen repeatedly due to the same reckless disregard for safety? This is systematic murder, and it must stop now! We demand an end to this exploitation, and we will fight tooth and nail to hold those responsible accountable,” Mathunjwa added.
This incident comes despite recent reports from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) indicating a decline in mining fatalities. In 2024, the South African mining industry recorded 42 fatalities, marking the lowest number ever. However, AMCU emphasises that even a single death is one too many, and the industry must strive for zero harm.
Harmony Gold’s safety record remains a concern. In May 2024, a rock drill operator tragically lost his life following a fall of ground incident at the Doornkop mine. This followed another fatality at Harmony’s Mponeng mine just a day earlier. In February of 2014, Harmony Gold reported 22 fatalities across its South African operations, with nine (9) deaths resulting from a fire at the Doornkop mine. During the first half of 2021, Harmony Gold recorded eight (8) fatalities, and six (6) deaths were recorded in the first half of 2022.
“We have been marching, we have been releasing thousands of press statements, we have been calling meetings with CEOs, we have been attending safety conferences, we have conducted thousands of interviews on safety, and we have called for the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) to be amended,” Mathunjwa said. “Yet, mineworkers continue to die.”
“We are not by any chance suggesting that we are tired,” he was quick to add. “The question is: What will it take for workers, in particular, mine workers, to be safe in these mines?”
“When we demand better conditions of employment, we have to march. When we embark on a protected strike, we are shot at. When we are not retrenched, we are killed. When we are not killed, we are incapacitated,” he said.
“We must put forward a class action case against these mining companies, and any production must be measured by the money spent on safety, not just the profit made from our labour,” Mathunjwa emphasised.
AMCU has arranged formal family notifications for the deceased workers, one from Nongoma in rural KwaZulu-Natal and the other from Lesotho – both were AMCU members. The Union expressed its deepest condolences and will ensure that the affected families receive full support.
“We call upon the DMPR to act decisively and hold mining companies accountable. We demand urgent, independent investigations into these catastrophes and the immediate implementation of stricter safety measures,” Mathunjwa said.
“We will not allow mining companies to continue treating our lives as cheap collateral! AMCU will be engaging with all affected workers and will take every necessary action – including mobilisation and possible industrial action – until mineworkers are guaranteed safe working conditions,” Mathunjwa concluded.
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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.