Pretoria - Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu has sent a stern warning to the mining industry not put the lives of workers at risk for the sake of making a profit.
"I do not understand how mining companies that make billions in profit fail even to buy the latest available and proven ground movement monitoring and detection equipment," said Shabangu, calling on the sector to reduce the number of fatalities at the country's mines.
Speaking at the Mine Health and Safety Council Summit held in Johannesburg, the minister said detection equipment was used widely and could cut down the number of potential fatalities.
Shabangu challenged the council to play a critical role in the improvement of safety in the industry.
"Safety is the responsibility of each and every person who sets his or her foot in the precinct of the mines," the minister said.
The summit, held under the theme: Zero Harm, seeks to find better solutions to preventing injuries and fatalities.
Shabangu warned that her department would continue to take action against those mining companies that did not comply with the expected standards.
"We will begin with heightening health and safety audits during the festive season and the first quarter of the New Year as this is the period that is prone to lapses."
The two-day summit is attended by representatives of the various mining companies in the country, including union representatives.
President of the Chamber of Mines Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi commended government for its commitment to the reduction of fatalities in the mining industry. "One fatality is too many," he said.
He urged stakeholders in the industry to work together in ensuring safety in the industry.
Also addressing the summit was Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who said there was a need for the safety regulations in the mining sector to be reviewed to ensure the safety of the workers.
"South Africans are living shorter lives because of diseases and this affects the economy."
He said HIV and Aids and TB were the country's biggest problem, which also affected the mining industry. More than 100 fatalities have been reported in the country's mining sector this year.
