Mining deaths surge 50% in 2026 as unions express outrage over safety risks

Two unions representing South Africa's mineworkers have expressed deep concern over the country's rising mining death toll, which has surged 50% in 2026. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) reported 50 fatalities so far this year, compared to 33 during the same period in 2025. The latest death occurred at Harmony's Mponeng Mine in Carletonville on September 14 when a worker died after falling due to a seismic event.

AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa strongly condemned Harmony, alleging a failure of prevention, accountability, and leadership. The union alleged that four fatalities have occurred at Mponeng alone this year, including workers injured in accidents involving conveyances and shaft conveyance canopies. Harmony's head of investor relations, Jared Coetzer, refuted the AMCU claim of 10 deaths, stating the company confirmed only eight deaths.

Harmony vowed to strengthen safety controls and invest in training, but emphasized that every loss of life is deeply personal. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) also expressed its "profound concern" over deteriorating health and safety standards, particularly noting the increasing number of female workers losing their lives.

The union criticized major mining houses for withdrawing from structured safety engagements, such as tripartite health and safety forums. NUM accused these employers of weakening collective efforts to prevent fatalities by distancing themselves from such mechanisms. NUM also criticized a recent "Safety Day" held by Impala Mine, claiming the union was excluded despite representing workers at the operations.

Impala Platinum Holdings Limited responded, stating safety is their top priority and that they took a safety reset to strengthen leadership and employee engagement. The NUM demands urgent legislative reform and stronger enforcement to address safety failures.