Worker Killed in Workshop Accident at Koffiefontein Diamond Mine

South African authorities are investigating the death of a diamond mine worker, killed on Sunday, January 3 at Koffiefontein. Mine owner Petra Diamonds said the accident occurred in an underground workshop and was equipment related, not due to mining operations. No other employees were injured.

This is the first fatality at a Petra Diamonds mining operation since 2004.

Normal underground activities at Koffiefontein have been suspended while an investigation is carried out by mine management in conjunction with the South African Department of Mineral Resources. The company expects the mine to reopen shortly and expects there to be no adverse effects on production.

Petra expressed its sincere condolences to the worker’s family, stating that the safety of its employees is of the utmost importance to the company.