NUM said workers were “sacrificing their lives while generating wealth for companies that too often prioritise production and profit above human dignity, safety, and health”. NUM said the impact of workplace failures extended beyond fatalities, pointing to serious injuries, occupational diseases, psychological trauma and a demoralised workforce. Safety discussions among employers, labour and governmentThe union’s criticism extends to the way safety discussions are handled among employers, labour and government. NUM said major mining companies were withdrawing from Tripartite Health and Safety Forums at a time when the industry needed stronger cooperation. Beyond safety, NUM raised concerns about job losses in the diamond sector, warning that workers were being forced to carry the burden of company restructuring.