Reuters · October 14, 2026

South African Mining Deaths Reach 53 as of October 12, Minerals Council CEO Says

• 53 mining deaths were recorded as of October 12, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane said, compared with 41 in 2025 and 42 in 2024.
• South African mining companies are reviewing safety protocols, Mthenjane told Reuters.
• Mthenjane said most fatalities were reported in the gold and platinum sectors, which he said were the biggest employers.
• Mthenjane said workers have a right to refuse unsafe work and the sector is examining the implementation of controls.
• South Africa's mining output fell 12.7% year on year in August, compared with a revised decrease of 7.0% in July, according to the report.

Death figures and safety statements via Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of Minerals Council South Africa, as reported by Reuters. This card is based on the accessible portion of the article only. Original headline: "Deaths prompt South African miners' safety review, minerals council CEO says".