Fairview gold miner pinned by machine, killed
Jacob Magongo, who worked there for 31 years, died on duty at Fairview Mine on Thursday March 12, according to Essie Esterhuizen of Barberton Mines.
Underground mineworkers at Barberton Mines fear for their lives after a third fatality has been recorded.
Jacob Magongo, who worked there for 31 years, died on duty at Fairview Mine on Thursday March 12, according to Essie Esterhuizen of Barberton Mines.
The consortium, wholly owned by Pan African Resources (74%) and Shanduka Group (26%), includes Fairview, Sheba and New Consort.
“He was fatally injured when a load-haul-dump machine, used for loading rocks, trapped him against the side of the wall underground. He was one of only two workers in that area,” said Esterhuizen.
At the time of his death he was working as a team leader underground. His responsibilities included safety and taking charge of personnel.
Esterhuizen dismissed rumours that Barberton Mines were concealing fatalities at the workplace.
“It’s untrue, we are regulated by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and we have by law to report on all fatalities. They inspect us regularly and check on our compliance,” he said.
Esterhuizen said the fatality was reported to the DMR, which is currently being investigated.
“The DMR also went underground the same day to inspect the area,” he concluded.
