20 October 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) is deeply saddened to learn of yet another fatal incident at Foskor Mine in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province.

Foskor is South Africa’s only fully integrated phosphate producer. Its Mining Division processes phosphate rich ore into high quality phosphate rock concentrate, a critical input for agricultural productivity across the country.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning 18 October 2025, two earthmoving machines collided. The operator of one of the machines, employed by a contractor, sustained fatal injuries.

This preventable accident brings the total number of fatalities in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI) to 37 so far this year, as reported by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).

AMCU extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased mineworker. No worker should ever lose their life simply for earning a living.

Technology can and should save lives.

This tragedy occurred at a time when advanced technologies exist to prevent exactly these kinds of accidents. Modern proximity detection and collision avoidance systems can slow down or stop machinery automatically when two machines approach each other, significantly reducing the risk of collisions.

The presence of large, mobile equipment on mine sites is a well-known and significant risk, and comprehensive risk assessments should be carried out and continuously reviewed. Even if a company has no prior incidents on record, the responsibility remains to proactively identify and manage foreseeable risks. Past incidents in other operations must serve as lessons to prevent similar tragedies elsewhere.

“This death was not inevitable. It reflects the urgent need for stronger safety measures, investment in technology, and a culture of accountability across the industry,” said AMCU

President Joseph Mathunjwa. Employers have both a legal and moral duty to ensure the health and safety of workers on site.AMCU calls on: Foskor Mine Management to immediately review their risk management systems and all mining companies to adopt modern collision avoidance technologies without delay.

“Every fatality is one too many, this tragic loss should serve as a turning point for all stakeholders, including the Minerals Council of South Africa, to reflect on and strengthen the clarity and effectiveness of guidance around Collision Avoidance System requirements, ensuring that safety is never reduced to just another statistic, “said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.

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