Miner killed in accident at Gold Field’s South Deep

Gold Fields (JSE, NYSE: GFI) announced Tuesday that an employee at its South Deep mine in South Africa lost his life in a mining incident.

Shaft timberman Vumile Mgcine, aged 46, succumbed from injuries sustained while attempting to unblock a shute outlet on an underground conveyor belt. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has been advised of the tragic incident and an in loco inspection, led by the DMRE with trade union representatives and mine management, will take place on Wednesday, Gold Fields said.

Mgcine’s family will be supported in accordance with a range of the mine’s policies, the company said. The mine has stood down all activities this evening to brief employees and offer counselling to those in need of support.

“There is no more tragic reminder of the overriding importance of safety at our mines than the death of a colleague,” Chris Griffith, CEO of Gold Fields, said in a media statement.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to Vumile’s family, friends and colleagues. Management will do everything possible to support them in this hour of need.”