Southa Africa’s Department of Minerals and Energy has handed Gold Fields (GOLD-Q) its preliminary findings and recommendations, following the investigation of a methane explosion that killed 12 people at the Beatrix gold mine on May 8.
Subject to the implementation of special precautions regarding gas, support ventilation and acclimatization, the cessation of mining, which was imposed on May 11, has been lifted at the shafts numbered 1 and 2.
Following a thorough inspection of the mine, production was expected to gear up by the evening shift on May 20.
The accident occurred after an underground fan broke down, allowing the build up of methane gas, says Gold Fields.
The incident was the second fatal explosion in a year at the mine, 175 miles southwest of Johannesburg. In 2000, another methane gas explosion killed seven people.
Beatrix had been ordered to alleviate the problem of gas buildup. Mavis Hermanus, South Africa’s chief mine inspector, says the operation has had trouble maintaining ventilation standards. “At best, maintenance of operating standard can be described as inconsistent,” Hermanus says.
Beatrix contributes 500,000 oz. gold annually to Gold Fields. The company has not said if the recent incident will affect production.
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