Key Facts
On 2026-08-01, South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy expressed concerns over miner safety, despite an earlier improvement in mining safety, with fatalities falling from 42 in 2024 to a record low of 41 in 2025. However, more than 30 deaths have already occurred so far in 2026. In February, a mudslide at a Kimberley diamond producer killed five miners, prompting the department to open a formal investigation.
Policy Constraints
Chief Mine Inspector Msiza said safety in the platinum industry remains a challenge and that he is concerned about platinum mines. Transport-related accidents, particularly underground rail transport, are the main contributor to the platinum industry's safety problems. Msiza said the department has formally engaged with Impala over the loss of life at its mines and has pledged support for the company to achieve zero harm.