Update on the earthquake

Pretoria - Following the seismic activity earlier today, the Department’s Chief Inspector of Mines has requested mining companies operating in the Free State, Carletonville, Rustenburg and Klerksdorp areas to inspect conditions underground in order to ensure the safety of employees.

The areas were among the worst affected by the earthquake.

“The affected companies must ensure that there are no employees still trapped underground,” Mr David Msiza, Chief Inspector of Mines, said.

The Council for Geoscience, a state-owned entity reporting to the Department of Mineral Resources, said the earthquake measured 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Issued by the Department of Mineral Resources