Surge in SA mining fatalities in 2026 deeply concerning, says Mantashe

South African mining fatalities are on the rise, with registered mines expected to record about 70 deaths in 2026, up from 41 in the previous year, according to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. This alarming regression in safety standards marks a significant setback to the industry's pursuit of "zero harm." Mantashe stated during the Joburg Mining Indaba that "we are at 52 fatalities already this year" and reiterated that "Platinum and gold still kill too many people."

In 2025, South Africa achieved a record low of 41 accidental mining deaths, a milestone that reflected substantial improvements from the extreme carnage of earlier years. However, should the current trend persist, the toll could nearly double to 70 in 2026. It is crucial to note that these figures pertain solely to the legal mining sector, with the toll among illegal miners, known as zama zamas, likely to be substantially higher.

Recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. In February, five miners perished in a mud rush at the Ekapa diamond mine in Northern Cape. More recently, Impala Platinum (Implats) briefly halted its extensive Rustenburg operations, employing 51,500 workers, in response to two fatal accidents involving underground locomotives with advanced safety features. This unusual stoppage underscored that technological advancements alone are not sufficient to guarantee safety.

The safety crisis has drawn significant attention from foreign investors, with a major South African mining company noting that the biggest concern during a recent overseas roadshow was safety. The pursuit of safety is a moral imperative, protecting human lives and dignity, a principle that was often overlooked during the apartheid era when Black lives were deemed insignificant in the boardroom and a predominantly migrant labor force endured ruthless exploitation in the mining industry.

Despite the more enlightened era, an unsafe environment with a rising death toll poses a considerable deterrent to investment, potentially leading to job losses and long-term economic repercussions. The situation will undoubtedly be a top priority for mining CEOs, and it is hoped that a reversal of this disturbing trend can be achieved.