CONFRONTING SETBACKS IN MINING HEALTH AND SAFETY
By Sharon Mdaka
HEALTH AND SAFETY •
According to the 2024 Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate Annual Report, occupational diseases within the South African mining sector have decreased by 7.6 % from 1 864 in 2023 to 1 723 in 2024. The presentation was delivered by the Minerals Council of South Africa( MCSA) at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba.
MCSA reflected on progress, persistent risks and outlined a renewed focus on occupational health. While the sector recorded its lowest-ever fatality figure in 2025, challenges remain as the journey to Zero Harm continues.
Chairperson of the Minerals Council CEO Zero Harm Forum, Japie Fullard, set the tone with a message that balanced achievement with accountability.“ While we note that this was the second successive year of the lowest number of fatalities in our sector, we acknowledge that 41 families have lost their loved ones. We extend our heartfelt condolences to them,” he said.
The industry closed 2025 with 41 fatalities, a marginal improvement from 42 the previous year, marking a significant decline from the 484 fatalities in 1994. Serious injuries also dropped by 12 % yearon-year to 1 693. These figures underscore a long-term downward trajectory in safety incidents, driven by stronger leadership, improved practices and industry-wide collaboration.
“ As mining CEOs, we believe that Zero Harm is possible. If you consider the significant reduction in fatalities, injuries and illnesses in the sector over the past three decades, you will understand why we hold this belief,” said Fullard.
This belief is underpinned by tangible progress in occupational health. Cases of tuberculosis( TB) and silicosis have declined by more than 80 % over the past 15 years, while noise-induced hearing loss has decreased by 55 %. TB incidence in mining now stands at 220 cases per 100 000 employees – half the national average – highlighting the effectiveness of targeted health interventions.
However, the briefing also brought attention to a troubling regression: a 25 % increase in fall-of-ground( FOG) fatalities, rising from 12 in 2024 to 15 in 2025. This reversal has become a central concern for the Council and its members.
Fullard acknowledged the setback, referring to the CEO-approved Fall of Ground( FoG) Action Plan.“ The plan works, but the Minerals Council will work with its members to understand why there has been a setback. The action plan previously contributed to a record low of six FoG fatalities in 2022.
Historically, FoG incidents have been one of the most dangerous aspects of deep-level mining. The industry has responded with a range of interventions, including entry examinations, daily workplace safety checks and the widespread adoption of netting and bolting techniques to stabilise tunnel roofs and walls. Steel nets, introduced in 2012, are now standard in many operations.
Despite these advancements, the recent increase signals that technical solutions alone are not enough. The Council is now placing renewed emphasis on understanding root causes and reinforcing compliance with existing safety protocols.
All images by © African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror
A key strength of the South African mining sector, according to Fullard, lies in its culture of shared learning.“ It’ s only through sharing like this that we grow our knowledge base and not repeat the mistakes that have hurt or killed our colleagues,” he said. Monthly CEO meetings provide a platform for companies to analyse incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions across the industry.
Japie Fullard, chairperson of the Minerals Council CEO Zero Harm Forum.
“ This is a very powerful platform. I’ m encouraged by the seriousness with which these sessions are treated and the level of engagement we have. I have no doubt this is a major contributor towards the advances we are making in health and safety,” added Fullard.
Dr Thuthula Balfour, head of Health and Safety.
Collaboration extends beyond company leadership. The MCSA highlighted its partnership with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ Mines Inspectorate and organised labour as critical to achieving Zero Harm. This tripartite approach has been instrumental in driving improvements across fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases.
Dr Thuthula Balfour, head of Health at the Minerals Council, presented insights into occupational health trends and priorities. Her presentation focused on the importance of sustained investment in prevention, early detection and treatment of occupational diseases.
While the number of reported occupational diseases declined by 7.6 % from 1 864 in 2023 to 1 723 in 2024, Balfour’ s analysis highlighted the need for continued vigilance. With over 400 000 people employed in the mining sector, even small percentage changes represent significant human impact.
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • April 2026 • 27