News24 | Eleven people killed in accident at Implats mine in Rustenburg

Impala Platinum's mine near Rustenburg.

Eleven people are dead and another 75 injured after an underground accident at an Implats mining facility near Rustenburg.

Implats said there had been a "serious safety incident" with winder rope at the mine's 11 Shaft operation on Monday.

"This rope is connected to the personnel conveyance, which hoists employees up and down the shaft. The conveyance comprises three levels, each with a capacity to carry 35 personnel," the company said.

It appears the conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift, when the counterweight became trapped by the jack catches, said Implats CEO Nico Muller.

"Investigations into the cause of the incident have commenced," he said.

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Implats said that paramedics and rescue teams had immediately been mobilised, and the injured employees had been transported to four hospitals in the area.

"The mine rescue operation is complete and all 86 employees are accounted for," said Muller

He added that mining operations at Impala Rustenburg have been suspended on Tuesday.

"This is the darkest day in the history of Implats and our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and the individuals affected by this devasting accident. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our colleagues and are in the process of ensuring all next of kin have been contacted," said Muller.