Council worried about safety, wellbeing of employees kept underground at Springs mine

Minerals Council South Africa says it is deeply concerned about the health and safety of more than 500 workers underground at Gold One’s Modder East mine, near Springs, in Gauteng.

"The employees have been underground well past their statutory shift and the council is worried about their health and safety, with reports of nine people injured, and that food and medical supplies are not reaching people underground," it says.

The more than 500 employees have remained underground since Sunday evening, with trade union the National Union of Mineworkers alleging that they are being held hostage by rival union the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).

AMCU has denied the allegations.

"The Minerals Council has reached out to all the parties involved to understand what has transpired and if it can assist in resolving the matter. Of utmost importance is the need to ensure the health and safety of all those who are underground and for them to all come to the surface while the situation is peacefully resolved.

"The council urges all role-players to find a speedy resolution to the situation before more people are hurt and the health, safety and emotional wellbeing of all those people underground are compromised," the council states.