|
| Share prices |
Accident at Exxaro’s Zincor refinery - Update
Date released: 10 September 2009
Diversified South African-based resources company Exxaro Resources Limited (Exxaro) confirms that three contractors died and 12 others were injured in this morning’s accident at its Zincor refinery in Springs, Gauteng.
Preliminary information shows that an explosion occurred in the maintenance contractors’ storage area situated near the plant. The accident happened while contractors were gathered and being briefed before work started. Five of the injured were admitted to hospital, and two have since been discharged. A further seven workers were treated for minor injuries on site.
The deceased are Thabo Kolantso, Samuel Radebe and July Taba. Their next-of-kin have been informed. The hospitalised are David Nongxokolo, Elliot Maditsi, Songezo Mbizweni, Clement Ranyadi and Emile Pretorius. City Insulation is the employer of all, except for Mr Pretorius, who is an employee of Checklift.
“Exxaro extends its sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased and we are monitoring the recovery of the injured. The safety of everyone on our sites remains our number one priority and we will continue efforts to achieve zero safety incidents,” said Sipho Nkosi, chief executive officer.
The scene of the accident has been secured and contractors and employees involved are receiving counselling and support. Mr Nkosi and senior Exxaro management visited the site this morning to assess the situation and offer support.
Operations at Zincor are suspended today to allow for investigations to take place, as well as the full restoration of electricity supply which was damaged in the incident. Management will take a decision on restarting activities by tomorrow. There is currently no risk to people nor plant.
Full details regarding the cause of the accident will only be known once the findings of an Exxaro investigation and an investigation involving the Department of Labour and other stakeholders are known.
Ends
Editor’s Note:
Exxaro is one of the largest South African-based resources companies with interests in the coal, mineral sands, base metals and iron ore commodities.
Zincor is an electrolytic zinc refinery producing zinc and sulphuric acid. It is currently the only zinc refinery in South Africa.
www.exxaro.com
Enquiries:
Hilton Atkinson
Manager, Corporate Communication
Tel: + 27 (0) 83 609 1452
Email: hilton.atkinson@exxaro.com
Publications
Listing particulars Annual report archive News release archiveRelated links
Presentations
and webcasts Media
kit Media
contactsSubscribe Here
Click here to subscribe to the latest official and general company news.
