Question NW643 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
17 March 2023 - NW643
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) steps are being taken to hold mining companies accountable for the number of mining incidents that occur in each year, including those that are not recorded and/or reported by mining companies and (b) repercussions are there for mining companies that often collude with trade unions, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and medical facilities to hide and/or deny mining incidents that occur on their property?
Reply:
(a) The Department conducts investigations and inquiries, and the following measures are implemented where non-compliance is revealed:
- Shutting down of respective operations pending the implementation of any determined remedial steps,
- Suspension of legal appointments of managers and supervisors in charge of working areas with poor health and safety conditions,
- Recommendation for criminal prosecution to the National Prosecuting Authority for all those who the findings of the inquiry proves that they may have been liable of serious violation of the law or have been found to be grossly negligent in their acts leading to an injury or fatal accident at a mine.
(b) No case of collusion has been reported to the Department by any person at this stage.