The Star reports that the families of three miners assumed to have died in the Lily Mine disaster in Louisville, east of Barberton in Mpumalanga, have been compensated – two years later.

The Department of Mineral Resources told this to Parliament’s portfolio committee on mineral resources during its update on the operations at the Gupta-owned mines and Lily Mine.

The department’s chief inspector of mines, Mthokozisi Zondi, said: “The families of the victims were paid R200 000 each.

‘‘Workers were also paid R10000 each, with a balance of R40000 to be paid by the new owner.

‘‘The inquiry report has also been completed,”

Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyirenda were trapped underground on February 5, 2016 when the container they were working in as a lamp room was swallowed when ground caved in.

MPs welcomed the report on Lily Mine.

They also heard that mining operations and the recovery of the bodies of the three missing mine workers would resume in November.

The mine stopped operations on April 2016 to allow for the extraction of the bodies from underground.

The maintenance, salary and expenses for the searchand-rescue operation drained the mine’s financial resources and led to it being placed under business rescue.

The department’s director-general, Thabo Mokoena, said the business rescue practitioners had secured a buyer who was in the process of acquiring ownership of the mine.

Committee chairperson Sahlulele Luzipho said: “Although sceptical, the committee believes that the resumption of operations at the mine will not only bring closure to the families of the three missing workers, but will also bring about 600 workers back to work”.

He warned the department to take control and engage investors to ensure that they completed the work of recovering the bodies.

“Mine owners have a tendency to abandon operations halfway, claiming that they underestimated cost implications,” said Luzipo.

Parliament also heard that the Gupta-owned mines Brakfontein, Koornfontein, Optimum and Shiva were operational but non-compliant and flouting mining regulations.

Parliament heard that two tower cranes at the mines were in poor condition and not maintained.

The department said they found inadequate stock and supplies, as the mine was not able to pay suppliers.

“Employers were not issued with personal protective equipment for winter seasons.

‘‘There were also 40 injuries reported at all four mines.”

Employees were also found exiting the main gate not wearing the right safety gear and were not trained in all mandatory codes of practice, Zondi said.

This report by Mary Jane Mphahlele appeared on page 2 of The Star of 31 May 2018

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