FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELEASED FOLLOWING BEATRIX MINE ACCIDENT
Johannesburg, 19 May 2001: Gold Fields Limited (JSE - GFI and Nasdaq - GOLD)
has received the preliminary findings and recommendations following the
investigation by the Department of Minerals and Energy into the tragic
accident at Beatrix Mine on 8 May 2001.
Management welcomes the new recommendations made by the Chief Inspector of
Mines and thanks the Department for its speedy response to the accident.
Beatrix Mine management has also been informed by the Chief Inspector that
the cessation of mining imposed in terms of section 54(1)a of the Mine
Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 on 11 May 2001, has been lifted in respect
of No 1 and 2 shafts. This is subject to:
The recommendations of the preliminary report being considered and treated
as instructions;
Regulation 10.15 of the Act (read with regulation 3.16.1), now made
applicable to the mine, being enforced. (These regulations indicate specific
instructions relating to fiery mines and the starting of fans.)
That special precautions regarding gas, support ventilation,
acclimatisation, etc are taken.
Mine management is currently meeting with union representatives to discuss
an orderly and safe resumption of operations. A thorough inspection of the
mine will be undertaken and all areas will be made safe before production
begins. It is anticipated that production at the mine should begin on Sunday
evening (20 May 2001).
Mine management extends its thanks to the employees of Beatrix Mine and the
various union representatives for their co-operation in the investigation.
ends
Enquiries: Willie Jacobsz
+27 11 (0)82 493-1377
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
