Gas explosion claims 12

A methane explosion has killed 12 people at the Beatrix gold mine in South Africa’s Free State.

The accident occurred after an underground fan broke down, resulting in a buildup of methane gas, says Gold Fields, the mine’s operator.

It was the second fatal methane explosion in a year at the mine, which is 175 miles southwest of Johannesburg. In 2000, a similar disaster killed seven.

South African mine inspectors have halted operation at two of the mine’s three shafts in order to investigate the accident.

Beatrix had been remanded to alleviate the problem of gas build-up, though the country’s chief mine inspector, Mavis Hermanus, concedes that the operation has had trouble maintaining ventilation standards. “At best, maintenance of operating standards can be described as inconsistent,” he says.

The mine is expected to resume full production later in May.

Beatrix contributes 500,000 oz. gold annually to Gold Fields.