South African mining company Harmony Gold has rescued 486 mining workers who were trapped underground at Kusasalethu mine, following an accident.

According to the company, a fire broke out during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler on level 75, about 2,300m below ground, which was being contained by mine rescue teams.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Ventilation flow to the fire has been sealed off at the mine.

The company’s update stated that all employees in Kusasalethu mine have been safely brought to the surface.

"This is to the credit of our systems, employees, the unions and mine management who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 hours."

Harmony Gold CEO Graham Briggs said: "We are extremely grateful that all of our colleagues have been brought to surface, without injury.

"This is to the credit of our systems, employees, the unions and mine management who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 hours. I also want to extend our thanks to mine rescue services for their efforts."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company will conduct joint investigations into the cause of the fire with the Department of Mineral Resources and mine management.

Kusasalethu is a gold mine located on the West Wits Line near Carletonville, Gauteng, South Africa, and 7km west of Johannesburg.

The mine is the amalgamation of the Deelkraal mine and Elandsrand mines, bought from AngloGold in 2001 in a transaction worth ZAR1bn ($86m).