Makhura declared the West Rand a COVID-19 hotspot after the number of cases at mines in the area exceeded 200.

About 196 miners tested positive for the virus at the AngloGold Ashanti’s Mponeng Mine near Carletonville, while Sibanye-Stillwater said 11 of their employees at their West Rand and Free State operations were also infected.

Makhura said while they did not want to close mines because of their role in the economy, they should prioritise the lives of miners.

“In a situation where we have an indication that workers may be at risk at a particular mine, working with national government, we will quickly ensure that the mine is closed,” Makhura said.

Meanwhile, Moses Madondo from AngloGold Ashanti, said their health and safety standards were cleared by the Department of Mineral Resources.

“In fact, personally I’ve spent quite a lot of time with the teams and the union branches on-site, and they’ve been very pleased with the work that we are doing. And they’re working with us to further ensure that any other opportunities where they believe they may be weaknesses are addressed,” he said.

Both Madondo and Makhura agreed that it was commendable that most of their results were returned between 24 and 72 hours of testing.

IMPALA PLATINUM INSPECTION

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health on Wednesday said it would closely monitor levels of compliance in the workplace, especially in the mining sector.

MEC Madoda Sambatha visited the Impala Platinum in Rustenburg to assess compliance with COVID-19 health and safety regulations.

The mine reported six coronavirus cases since 50% of the workers returned to their shifts after the lockdown regulations were eased.

Sambatha went on a walkabout at the mine’s hospital and assessed the conditions.

“Unlike other companies, it is the health services that are responsible for ensuring that anyone who is recalled is cleared,” Sambatha said.

The MEC said mining companies that defied regulations would be dealt with.

“All companies who are doing that, we will visit them one-by-one, and name and shame them,” he said.

Impala Platinum screened half of its employees as it prepared for the entire workforce to return on Monday.

The mining industry wanted to be allowed to operate at full capacity during level 3 of the lockdown. That was despite several workers testing positive for COVID-19 under level 4 regulations.

Eyewitness News