HARMONY GOLD MINE UNDERGROUND FIRE PRESENTATION

UG FIRE TRAPS 486 AT HARMONY GOLD MINE

Harmony Gold Mine reported that an underground fire occurred at its Kusasalethu Mine on Sunday 22 February 2015 The fire is believed to have started during maintenance work on a bulk air cooler The fire started on the mine’s 75-level, approximately 2 300m below surface, at around 09H40 in the morning Specially trained mine rescue teams were deployed underground to rescue the workers who were underground when the fire started. Before bringing the affected workers to surface, they were first moved to the underground refuge bays; which are supplied with fresh air, water and telephonic communication to surface. The workers were eventually brought safely to surface – the last workers brought to surface at 21H00. No injuries were reported The fire was contained, and ventilation flow to the fire was sealed off The affected mine workers will receive counselling, and a thorough investigation on the incident will be done, Pam McLeod, Harmony Gold spokesperson reported

LEARNINGS FROM THE INCIDENT

A pro-active mentality and urgency when it comes to emergency preparedness and response, especially in underground workings. Adherence to the mine’s emergency and preparedness COP, as well as refuge bay procedures and standards. Things we need to continuously check, and ensure adherence to standards: - coal/duff stowing and accumulation underground and on surface must be in such a way that it doesn’t pose the risk of spontaneous combustion - underground return airways to be cleaned of all coal accumulation, especially in the path of ventilation flow. - non-flameproof equipment/machinery must be inspected regularly to ensure compliance with flameproofing standards. - adherence to contraband rules to be enforced – workers not to take any cigarettes/lighters/matches underground. - housekeeping to be done in all work areas, including offices. No empty cans, plastic/rubber material, paper and oily cloths must be lying around in hazardous areas. - waste disposal to be done accordingly to prevent the risk of fires starting in the bins. - telemetery system in underground sections to operate effectively (position of monitors, alarm/trip levels, calibration, link/communication to control room. - mine rescue team to be fully functioning and readily available for emergencies.