8 Jul 2010 10:22
AQUARIUS PLATINUM LIMITED 8 July 2010 Update on Fatal Accident at Marikana
Further to yesterday's announcement, Aquarius Platinum Limited ("Aquarius" or the "Company") advises that representatives of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) will join management for an in loco investigation at the site of the accident this morning. Operations at 4 Shaft remain suspended.
The bodies of all five of the employees who died in the accident were brought to surface by yesterday evening and the process of notifying their next of kin is underway. Aquarius is arranging for all the affected families to be brought to and accommodated in Rustenburg.
Preliminary assessments of the fall of ground that occurred in 4 Shaft suggest that a block of rock weighing approximately 500 tonnes which was supported to industry standards fell instantly from the hanging wall.
A suspension notice has been issued in accordance with the South African Mine Health and Safety Act for 4 Shaft, which will remain suspended until Aquarius Platinum (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited ("AQPSA"):
* completes an audit of support compliance and rock conditions; * retrains and assesses all employees on rock related hazards; * investigates the basic cause of the fall of ground and support system failure; and * reviews the mandatory Code of Practice and mine design
These processes are underway, and management expects to be able to present the results to the Department of Mineral Resources within two weeks. The rest of the Marikana mine continues to operate as normal.
The Board and management of Aquarius and AQPSA extend their sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the men who died.
Stuart Murray, CEO of Aquarius, said:
"This tragic accident is the worst such incident in AQPSA's history, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the men who died. Prior to this incident, Marikana operations had completed over 800,000 fatality-free shifts, which is the equivalent of 18 months without a fatal accident. This is among the best safety records in the industry, and the safety of our personnel remains of paramount importance to us. Aquarius and AQPSA will do everything within their power to analyze the cause of this accident and ensure that all efforts are expended to prevent such accidents in the future, and that best in class safety standards continue to be met at all of its operations.
Aquarius wishes to thank the rescue teams from Impala Platinum and Lonmin for their assistance to AQPSA`s and MRC's own rescue teams during this difficult time. The offers for assistance from RPM and Xstrata are also greatly appreciated."
For further information please contact:
In the United Kingdom and South Africa
Gavin Mackay+44 7909 547 042In Australia:Willi Boehm
Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services
+61 8 9367 5211
Registered Office: Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HMCX, Bermuda
E-mail: info@aquariusplatinum.com
Tel: +61 8 9367 5211
vendor