.In a sector that has long been associated with health risks and fatalities, South Africa’s mining industry is rewriting the narrative. The mining industry in the country, once considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world, is undergoing a transforomation towards one where workers’ lives are no longer seen as collateral for economic progress. The latest figures released by the Minerals Council South Africa tell a powerful story of significant progress, commitment and a vision where no fatality is acceptable.

The industry reported 42 fatalities in 2024, a 24% decrease from the year prior. Workplace injuries dropped 16%, and the number of cases of occupational disease fell 17%. These figures are not merely data points in a report, they represent the large number of workers who came home safely to their families rather than becoming another statistic.

Yet as leaders in the industry observe these advances, they confront a sobering reality: 42 lives lost is still 42 too many.

The mindset change: moving from compliance to caring.

For decades, mining safety involved little more than compliance. Companies took steps by following guidelines, auditing their operations and improving safety protocols. But these efforts, although critical, were often reactive — addressing incidents once they occurred as opposed to stopping them from happening in the first place.

The industry is slowly turning towards human-centred design. This transformation is key to Khumbul’ekhaya, a CEO-led initiative launched in 2019. It puts an emphasis on leadership, accountability and proactive risk management. Khumbul’ekhaya will make its re-entry into the marketplace as a recalibrated version 2 in 2025, focusing on new technologies, enhanced risk management practices and increased collaboration between the mining houses, labour unions and government.

And this is echoed by Japie Fullard, the Chair of the CEO Zero Harm Forum:

“The less we pay attention to injuries, the lower our death rates will be. It’s not about what we do after events, but what we do before the time to make the workplace as safe and healthy as possible.’

CEOs of mining companies now gather monthly to discuss incidents — not just to analyse what went wrong, but to make sure that it never happens again. The culture of transparency and learning is a key contribution to the progress of safety in the industry.

Notes on Progress, Through the Numbers

The evolution of mining didn’t start flying into high gear yesterday — it’s a long-term success story.

Over the past 30 years, fatalities have decreased by 91% — from 484 deaths in 1994 to 42 in 2024.
Workplace injuries over the same period went down 78%, from 8,347 to 1,841 cases.
Tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis cases have declined by over 80% over the last 15 years with TB cases half the national average for South Africa.
Noise-induced hearing loss is down 55% but is an ongoing target for more intervention.
These improvements are a result of industry-wide collaboration, technological advances and a focus on worker safety.

Technology and Innovation: The New Frontier

Aside from leadership and accountability, technology is also a crucial facilitator in reaching Zero Harm. Automation, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics are enabling mines to identify risks before they are fatal. Wearable tech, artificial-intelligence-enabled hazard identification, and automated mining techniques all mitigate employees’ exposure to unsafe locales.

In addition, health surveillance programs are aiding the early detection of occupational diseases, helping workers receive the appropriate medical attention before conditions deteriorate further.

Is it Possible to Achieve Zero Harm?

Skeptics might say better alternatives are impossible, because mining is inherently risky, but South Africa’s own safety record tells a different story. Goal: Zero Harm Not a Dream: Everyone is Protected

It is already proven that with leadership commitment, collaboration, and appropriate interventions lives can be saved in the industry. Every such safety milestone is a reminder that no worker should have to risk their life to make a living.

For decades, mining has been the mainstay of South Africa’s economy. It could now transform itself into a laboratory for workplace safety and a model for human-centered leadership. The question is no longer the extent to which mining can be made safe — it is how far, and how quickly, the industry is prepared to go to ensure that every miner gets home safely, every day.


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]