Scenes of the grey sludge in the surrounding areas and the extent of the damage it caused. Photo credit: Jean Henry Van Rensburg
Jagersfontein Mine was an open-pit diamond mine in South Africa, located close to the town of Jagersfontein and about 110 kilometres south-west of Bloemfontein.
The walls of the mine tailings dam burst open on Sunday, 11 September – releasing a mudslide that left one person dead and displaced over 300 others. The deluge also knocked out electricity in the town and washed away livestock.
Potentially hazardous material from byproducts, in the form of a grey sludge from the tailings dam has affected the surrounding community and environment. Pienaar Bros and DuPont immediately decided to jump into action and joined forces to support efforts and donated Tyvek® protective garments and gum boots for those that will be involved in the extensive clean up project that will be required in the surrounding areas.
“This is a devasting event that is very unfortunate for the communities surrounding the mine, therefore DuPont, together with our partner, Pienaar Bros, felt the necessity to provide adequate protective clothing for the clean-up teams to ensure that there are no further injuries and that these dedicated individuals are provided with PPE” stated Loren Pearson, Tyvek® apparel Sales and Marketing Manager from DuPont.
Jean-Henry Janse Van Rensburg, Branch Manager from Pienaar Bros Bloemfontein, drove through to the mine and worked tirelessly to ensure that the protective clothing was delivered in the hands of SAPS Search and Rescue, EMS Jagersfontein, Jagersfontein Mine and locals living in Jagersfontein and nearby neighbourhood of Charlesville.
Jean-Henry on the scene with Dept of Health, wearing their donated Tyvek® protective garments and gumboots. Photo credit: Jean Henry Van Rensburg
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