South Africa’s mining industry is reviewing workplace safety procedures after recording 53 worker fatalities by October 12, exceeding the full-year totals of the previous two years, according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane.

The death toll compares with 41 fatalities in 2025 and 42 in 2024, which were historic lows for the sector. The increase has raised concerns among mining companies and executives about the industry's safety performance.

Speaking to Reuters, Mthenjane said mining companies were examining safety protocols and the implementation of controls to reduce workplace risks.

He also stressed that workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, reinforcing the importance of identifying hazards before they result in injuries or deaths.

According to Mthenjane, most mining fatalities occurred in the gold and platinum sectors, which employ the largest numbers of workers in South Africa’s mining industry.

The figures highlight the continuing safety challenges associated with mining operations, particularly in sectors with extensive underground activities.

The latest increase comes after two consecutive years of historically low fatalities, raising questions about whether existing safety measures are being implemented consistently and whether additional controls are required.

The Minerals Council has indicated that mining companies are reviewing their procedures, although the report did not provide a breakdown of the causes of this year's deaths or identify specific operations responsible for the increase.

South Africa’s mining industry is also facing weaker production. Mining output fell by 12.7% year on year in August, compared with a revised decline of 7% in July, according to the report.

The production figures point to additional operational pressures for the sector, although the available data does not establish a direct connection between the output decline and the rise in fatalities.

For mining companies, the immediate priority remains strengthening workplace controls, improving compliance with safety procedures and ensuring workers can report or refuse dangerous assignments without pressure.

As of October 12, South Africa had recorded 53 mining fatalities in 2026, compared with 41 for the whole of 2025 and 42 in 2024.