DA probes Alexkor’s diver miner safety
4 March 2022
Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Veronica van Dyk MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the safety of the diver miners working at Alexkor’s controversial cofferdams and we are probing the state-owned mine’s compliance to the Mine Health & Safety Act amidst the risk posed to divers by the unlicensed dumping of quarry sand into the ocean.
This comes after four concerning incidents already occurred since the start of the year, including allegations that a diver fell unconscious after surfacing on 23 February, while on the previous day, a diver became partially paralysed after surfacing. Two serious hand injuries were also reported.
Alexkor RMC JV conceded last year that mining in South Africa in general was having its worst year in terms of safety and fatalities when compared to the last three years. They further indicated that they should not put profits above the safety of their people. Yet, they are doing nothing to decrease the risks and better ensure the safety of diver miners, while the odds of very serious or even fatal accidents are growing.