| Thu 8 Jul 2010, 11:21 | | AQP - Aquarius Platinum Limited - Update On Fatal Accident At Marikana |
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AQP
AQP
AQP - Aquarius Platinum Limited - Update On Fatal Accident At Marikana
Aquarius Platinum Limited
(Incorporated in Bermuda)
Registration Number: EC26290
Share Code JSE: AQP
ISIN Code: BMG0440M1284
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 547 042
In Australia:
Willi Boehm
Aquarius Platinum Corporate Services
+61 8 9367 5211
Sponsor
RAND MERCHANT BANK (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
Date: 08/07/2010 11:21:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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