Aquarius Platinum has closed the central shaft at its Kroondal mine, following the death of a mine worker.

The firm asked all 1,300 workers at the shaft to return to the surface yesterday following a preliminary investigation into the incident.

It is not yet clear how long the mine will remain closed and what effect the suspension of operations will have on production of platinum group metals (pgms).

A statement issued by Aquarius Platinum said: "The inspector of mines has been notified of the accident and a site inspection will be held as soon as is possible.

"Employees from this shaft will undergo safety retraining, with an emphasis on hazard identification and will return to work when the Aquarius management is satisfied with the completion of the remedial action."

The unnamed Murray & Roberts cementation employee was killed in the shaft at around 11am as a result of a rockfall.

No other employees were injured in the incident.

Source:

Aquarius shuts Kroondal shaft after worker killed, 15/11/07
http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN549447.html

Worker killed at Aquarius Platinum, 15/11/07
http://business.iafrica.com/news/677278.htm

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