It goes without saying that the mine health and safety of all mineworkers is crucially important and that the number of deaths and injuries in mines should be reduced. In this regard, we express our sincere condolences to the families of all workers killed in recent accidents. The Chamber of Mines has however stated that the amendments to the Mine Health and Safety Act approved by Parliament might lead to a flight of necessary skills and a lack of foreign direct investment in the sector. Despite it ensuring arguably strict criminal liability for mine management and directors, as well as the compulsory closing down of mine sites upon fatalities or a threat to serious injuries or health-threatening occurrence, it is not clear how these draconian measures would lead to an improvement in safety standards.