12 September 2022

South African tailings dam collapse

Yesterday, the former De Beers site at Jagersfontein, South Africa, saw loss of life due to a tailings dam collapse.

surveying pit areas

Anglo operation in South Africa. Drone operators survey mine pits.

© Anglo American

Three people died and many others were taken to hospital for treatment. Homes and infrastructure suffered damage.

De Beers, part of Anglo American, said it sold the site, along with its associated liabilities, in 2010 to Superkolong Consortium. It is unclear if this group still owns the site.

Minerals Council South Africa, a mining industry lobbying group, said the cause of the dam collapse was unknown and that none of its members own the site.

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