Mine accident in South Africa leaves 11 dead

11 workers were killed and 75 others injured in an accident at a platinum mine in South Africa, the mine’s operator says.

The accident took place on Monday at a mine in Rustenburg, about 100km (60 miles) north-west of Johannesburg.

Impala Platinum said an investigation was under way into the exact cause of the accident. All mining operations have been suspended.

Impala Platinum chief executive Nico Muller described it as the “darkest day” in the company’s history.

The company said the accident involved a winding rope connected to a lift which hoists people up and down the mine shaft. The lift started moving downwards unexpectedly, it added.

There has long been concerns about safety conditions on its mines, but the situation has improved since white-minority rule ended in 1994.

About 50 deaths were recorded in mines in 2022, down from 74 in the previous year.

South Africa has some of the world’s deepest mines.

It is a leading producer of platinum, gold and other raw materials.

(With inputs from agencies)