Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, South Africa’s largest gold miner, chaired by South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, is mourning the death of an employee following a seismicity-related incident at its Moab Khotsong mine near Orkney.

The company said the employee died on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in an incident at the mine. Harmony confirmed the fatality in a statement issued on Monday, September 7.

The company extended its condolences to the employee’s family, friends and colleagues, while management is providing support to the family and affected employees.

Investigation underway into fatal incident

Harmony said all relevant stakeholders have been notified and that an investigation led by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The fatality comes as the gold producer continues to focus on safety across its underground mining operations, where seismic activity remains one of the key operational risks associated with deep-level mining.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. Nothing is more important than the safety of our people,” said Beyers Nel, chief executive officer of Harmony Gold. Nel said the company was committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident, learning from it and strengthening measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.

Moab Khotsong remains key Harmony operation

Moab Khotsong is one of Harmony Gold’s South African underground gold mining operations and forms part of the company’s portfolio of assets in the Free State and Gauteng regions. The mine, located near Orkney, operates in an environment where seismicity is a significant safety consideration because of the depth and geological conditions associated with underground gold mining.

Harmony has not disclosed further details about the circumstances of the incident or identified the employee involved. The company said it would continue to support those affected while the investigation into the fatality proceeds. The incident adds to the ongoing safety challenges facing South Africa’s deep-level mining industry, where companies continue to invest in measures designed to reduce workplace fatalities and improve underground safety.

Founded in 1950, Harmony Gold operates in South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Total assets rose 63.88% to R125.99 billion ($7.89 billion), from R77.5 billion ($4.36 billion) a year earlier. Retained earnings grew by 187.98% from R13.29 billion ($832.86 million) to R38.28 billion ($2.4 billion) in its 2026 fiscal year.