3 November 2026
SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has received a report that a mineworker died after collapsing at Glencore Eastern Chrome Mines’ Helena Mine in Limpopo Province on 18 October 2026. The Union has called for a thorough investigation after preliminary post-mortem findings and blood-test results reportedly identified heat exposure as a contributing factor.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has received a report that a 43-year-old mineworker, employed as a Builder (Construction Underground), collapsed and could not be resuscitated at Glencore Eastern Chrome Mines’ Helena Mine in Limpopo Province on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
According to preliminary information received by the Union, the incident occurred at approximately 13:15 in the Rig 3 Section, where the mineworker and his team were installing water pipes.
Following the incident, the mine’s emergency response protocols were activated, and Intermediate Life Support (ILS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics were dispatched to the scene. The ILS paramedics arrived at approximately 13:50. Despite the emergency response efforts, the mineworker could not be resuscitated and was declared dead underground at approximately 14:37.
The Union understands that the incident was initially not classified as a mine accident. However, following the recent receipt of preliminary post-mortem findings and blood-test results indicating that heat exposure may have contributed to the death, the circumstances and classification of the incident have come under further scrutiny.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased mineworker. May God grant them strength and comfort as they mourn the loss of their loved one”, said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.
An in loco inspection conducted by Occupational Hygiene and Medicine Inspectors recorded wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures of 31 °C and 32,5 °C, respectively, in the working area on the day of the incident.
Under the Mine Health and Safety Regulations, a wet-bulb temperature exceeding 25 °C and/or a dry-bulb temperature exceeding 32 °C triggers the requirement for an occupational hygiene measurement system to monitor thermal stress. The recorded temperatures therefore exceeded both monitoring thresholds. The applicable exposure classification, however, must be assessed against the mine’s thermal stress risk assessment, occupational health programme and mandatory Code of Practice.
Preliminary post-mortem findings and blood-test results reportedly identified heat exposure as a contributing factor in the mineworker’s death.
“These preliminary findings require a clear explanation from mine management. We demand clarity on the measures implemented to monitor, control, and manage underground heat exposure, including the adequacy of ventilation, cooling arrangements, environmental monitoring, and the enforcement of appropriate occupational hygiene controls”, Mathunjwa said.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
“A thorough investigation must establish whether all reasonably practicable measures were implemented to protect the mineworker from underground heat exposure”, Mathunjwa added.
“We will continue to demand accountability wherever failures in Mine Health and Safety systems place mineworkers’ lives at risk. We reiterate our call for the Mine Health and Safety Act to be amended to strengthen enforcement and ensure personal accountability where preventable failures result in injury or death”, Mathunjwa concluded.
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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.