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The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) has completed its investigation into the situation at VANTECH. The investigation was initiated on the basis of a complaint lodged by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). The Department has prepared this press release in response to media and public interest in the situation involving exposure of employees to vanadium compounds at the VANTECH mine and processing plant in Mpumalanga.

The report has been forwarded to the stakeholders directly involved, such as the representatives of the NUM and plant management. A copy of the report has also been forwarded to the current owners, Xstrata. Once the stakeholders have had an opportunity to study the report, a meeting will be convened to discuss the way forward. At the earliest, the meeting will take place next week, starting 2 July 2001.

Mindful of the danger of heightening tensions at this point, and established procedure, the Department is not at liberty to release the full report until such time that the stakeholders have had an opportunity to meet and study the report.

Nonetheless, it can be stated that the following problems have been identified:

(1) High levels of exposure to vanadium pentoxide in the plant;
(2) Inadequate training of employees on vanadium related hazards and the ineffective use of personal protective equipment;
(3) Inadequate engineering controls; and
(4) Inadequacies in the occupational hygiene monitoring and measurement programme.

The history of ownership of the operation is as follows: The present owners, Xstrata, took control of the operation in 1999, and many of the problems identified predate their period of ownership. Rand Mines were the owners until 1991, but shut down the operation in October 1990. It remained closed for nearly a year, and was purchased, re-opened and operated by Cheers Investments until 1998.

At this stage, the Inspectorates' priority is to ensure that a programme, aimed at rectifying conditions at VANTECH, is developed and implemented as a matter of urgency.

Enquiries: May Hermanus on 012 - 317 9125

Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy, 27 June 2001