Fatalities rise for second year in global mining sector

[Ben Graham]

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released its latest annual safety report, revealing an increase in fatalities across the 24 companies it groups in 2024.

ICMM members, which represent about one-third of the global mining and metals industry, reported 42 worker deaths last year—up from 36 in 2023 and 33 in 2022. The data marks a troubling reversal in what had been a long-term downward trend in fatalities.

Nine of the 42 deaths were linked to mobile equipment and transportation incidents, while five resulted from fall-of-ground accidents. South Africa saw the highest number of fatalities, with 15 deaths, accounting for 35% of the total. Despite the overall increase, nine member companies reported zero fatalities in 2024.

Source: ICMM Safety Performance Report 2024. (Click on it to enlarge)

“No one should have to risk their life to do their job. This remains our irrevocable starting point, our standard, and our shared responsibility,” president and chief executive Rohitesh Dhawan said. 

In response to the rising numbers, ICMM is revising its guidance on critical control management to better reflect current operational risks. The council is also pushing forward with its Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles (ICSV) initiative, which aims to eliminate fatalities from vehicle interactions by accelerating the adoption of safer technology.

Source: ICMM Safety Performance Report 2024.

Alongside physical safety, ICMM is expanding its focus on psychological health and safety, recognizing their deep connection. It is also enhancing transparency and peer learning by creating new ways for member companies to share lessons from fatal incidents more effectively.

ICMM, which represents miners including BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, Newmont and Teck, has published safety data annually since 2012 as part of its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement across the industry.