afrol News, 27 October - As mining companies are contemplating suspension of some production lines due to unstable prices, world's leading producer of Platinum metals, Anglo Platinum, has come under fire from unions about what they term looming safety crisis at its operations.

Trade union solidarity today lashed at mining company further calling for more funding to be availed for research that will help improve operational safety at mines.

"More than 11 percent of this year's mining deaths have already occurred at Anglo Platinum mines, which is great cause for concern for Solidarity," spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said in a statement today.

Warning by union followed death ealier today of a mineworker at Anglo Platinum's Rustenburg mine, which was attributed to an electricity-related accident.

Spokesperson for Anglo Platinum, Simon Tebele, was reported by Sapa, confirming that death had taken place, further confirming, closing of shaft as per regulations of country's department of minerals and energy.

According to Solidarity this year only, mining industry has recorded 141 deaths.

Earlier this month in a strong worded statement, SA's National Union of Mineworkers criticised safety standards in most operations labelling it trade of workers blood for money.

"The Num is shocked that while those whose hands stink of workers' blood smile all the way to the bank, hundred of thousands of breadwinners' dependants are left with no food on their table. It is with this in mind that the Num urges the DME [department of minerals and energy] to release the safety audit report as a matter of urgency and to take serious steps against these companies that seem to be competing to kill mineworkers," NUM said in a statement.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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