JOHANNESBURG - At least 14 mineworkers have died from COVID-19, with nearly 3,000 cases within the sector having been recorded so far across the country.
However, the number of positive coronavirus cases confirmed so far suggests the spread is not easing, with 1,559 active cases at the last count, while 1,166 workers have recovered. He added that the department would invoke Section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act and shut down mines if they were found to only screen workers but not test them.The department confirmed that 37 mining companies had been issued with Section 54 and 55 orders over the past three months as the industry struggles to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Section 54 notices give inspectors the power to stop a section or the whole mine’s operations if dangerous conditions are detected. The Minerals Council has also established a code of practice which guides its members on how to best deal with the pandemic.Six of the 14 mineworkers who have died in different operations across the country were employees of Impala Platinum .