17 September 2026
SUMMARY: The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) expressed anger and outrage as Harmony recorded its tenth mining fatality in 2026. The fatality brings South Africa’s mining death toll to 50 in 2026, compared with 33 during the same period in 2025. The Union condemns the recurring fatalities at Harmony and demands accountability for ongoing safety failures and demands urgent legislative reform, stronger enforcement and personal accountability to prevent further Mineworker deaths.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) expressed its anger and outrage at the continued loss of Mineworkers’ lives, as Harmony records its 10th fatality in 2026.
On 14 September 2026 at approximately 13:15, a seismic event measuring 0.7 in magnitude occurred at Harmony’s Mponeng Mine in Carletonville, resulting in a Fall of Ground that claimed the life of a Mineworker. Preliminary information indicates that the crew was conducting support activities when the incident occurred.
This brings the total number of mining fatalities in South Africa to 50 in 2026, compared with 33 during the same period in 2025.
“This is not a statistic. It is a failure of prevention, accountability and leadership. Ten Mineworkers have died at Harmony this year, yet the same recurring hazards continue to claim lives. How many more Mineworkers must die before Harmony is forced to answer for its safety failures”, asked AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.
“This is the fourth fatality at Mponeng alone this year. On 20 January, a Loco Guard was fatally injured after being caught between a hopper and a pier-pack. On 24 May, two Engineering Artisans died after falling from a shaft conveyance canopy to the shaft bottom.
On 19 July, a woman Onsetter was killed by a conveyance. Now another Mineworker has died in a Fall of Ground incident”, he added.
“Workers are repeatedly exposed to known and foreseeable hazards while management continues to proclaim that safety is its highest priority. If safety truly came first, we would not be standing here counting ten dead Mineworkers”, Mathunjwa said.
AMCU is equally concerned about statements attributed to Minister Gwede Mantashe regarding the treatment of Harmony by the State.
On 9 September 2026, during the Principal Mine Health and Safety Summit held at Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate in Pretoria, the Minister was reportedly responding after the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee had strongly criticised Harmony over the loss of Mineworkers’ lives.
According to the account of the proceedings, Minister Mantashe stated that “when it comes to Harmony, we have soft gloves”, referring to Harmony’s takeover of Free State mines following the withdrawal of AngloGold Ashanti and its subsequent acquisition of Mponeng.
“For mineworkers, this raises a deeply disturbing question: Are some mining companies receiving softer treatment from government while Mineworkers are paying the ultimate price? If the Minister’s statement is accurately reported, it is an admission that the principle of equal enforcement is being compromised”, Mathunjwa wanted to know.
“This is South Africa: Black Mineworkers, particularly those in the working class, are increasingly left to fend for themselves. The State cannot claim to prioritise Mineworkers’ lives while simultaneously suggesting that certain mining companies receive preferential treatment”, he continued.
AMCU therefore demands urgent legislative reform, stronger enforcement, meaningful personal accountability and consequences for repeat safety failures.
“Death at work cannot be treated as the cost of doing business. Ten fatalities at one company are enough to demand action. Fifty fatalities nationally are enough to demand accountability. We will continue campaigning for amendments to the Mine Health and Safety Act to ensure that those responsible for unsafe mining operations cannot hide behind corporate structures while Mineworkers pay with their lives”, Mathunjwa concluded.
*ENDS*
531 words excluding summary, heading and other text
For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.