The South African mining industry is proving that safety and innovation go hand in hand. The Minerals Council South Africa has just hosted its fourth Fall-of-Ground (FOG) Action Plan Day of Learning, which saw over 300 industry players from across the industry gather.
The event highlighted innovative initiatives to eradicate injury and fatality, particularly by falls of ground, which are among the most prominent risks in underground mining. “This annual gathering has an important role to play towards our ongoing efforts to eliminate fall-of-ground fatalities in our sector,” Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane said.
“It’s about showing leadership humility by learning from one another and from sharing experiences, strengthening our commitment to making the workplace safer and better workplaces.”
A Record-Breaking Year of Progress The mining industry reached historic safety heights in 2024, with the number of deaths falling by 24% on the previous year.
Injuries also fell considerably, with a 16% decrease. All this is consistent with a longer trend: since 1994, the number of mining fatalities has fallen 91%, to 42 last year from 484.
Notably, FOG-caused fatalities declined by 96% since 1993 through practices like the daily testing of entries, utilization of netting and bolting techniques, and the use of advanced technologies to avoid rock bursts.
A United Effort The Minerals Council is pioneering the way to Zero Harm by collaborating with mining companies, professional bodies, trade unions, and research institutions.
Initiatives like the Mining Industry Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Learning Hub and the CEO Zero Harm Forum are sustaining the adoption of cutting-edge safety methods.
Influence on South Africa’s Mining Industry The safety pledge is transforming the mining industry, not only in reducing fewer deaths but also in building a culture of care and responsibility-based safety.
Such innovations increase employees’ morale, attract new entrants to the industry, and position South Africa as a world leader in mine safety and innovation.
As the industry approaches Zero Harm, the Fall-of-Ground Action Plan is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it can be done when bold vision is matched with broad action.
The outcome is safer mines, thriving communities, and a promising future.
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