The death of the 140th mine worker on South African mines can no longer just be another number on mines’ record, the trade union Solidarity warned today. Intervention should now take place to stop the rate at which mine deaths are currently taking place. Solidarity called on mining companies to regard 140 as the turning point in this battle and that mine safety should be made a first priority by, among other things, considering the trends in accidents.

Solidarity welcomes Anglo Coal’s quick reaction to tackle safety. The group has already indicated that all electricians will now be sent for training as well as re-testing before further moving will be done.