An audit of mine safety is to be launched by the South African government in the wake of the averted crisis at Harmony Gold's Elandsrand mine.

A statement issued by President Mbeki's office said: "The President has asked the minister to conduct an audit of all mines to determine whether they meet health and safety standards as prescribed in law."

It is not currently known whether the audit will focus solely on the gold mining industry, or if it will also scrutinise standards at platinum mining companies at the Bushveld mining complex and throughout the mining sector.

News of the audit comes after Buyelwa Sonjica, minerals and energy minister, yesterday told reporters that the South African government plans to "tighten up" safety regulations.

Rescue teams were able rescue all 3,200 miners who were trapped in the Elandsrand underground mine after a shaft collapsed on Wednesday.

Source:

SA govt to launch safety audit, 05/10/07
http://www.miningmx.com/gold_silver/613249.htm

President Mbeki Satisfied with Mine Rescue Success, 05/10/07
http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/show.asp?type=pr&include=president/pr/2007/pr1004834.htm

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