Gold Fields shuts Driefontein Mine after Worker Death

Gold Fields, which is the fourth largest gold producer in the world, closed down its Driefontein mine after some tremors caused the death of one worker, and trapped another one in the mine. Four other workers were injured in the incident.

In the past Gold Fields has said they would stop mining if they couldn't improve their safety record, as they're at the bottom of safe mining companies; the worst in the business.

South Africa is also terrible on mining safety, as so far this year 140 workers have perished in the mines, while last year 221 died, and in 2006 200 died in the country.

At this time the company has no idea when they'll bring the mine back online, as their focus is on finding the missing worker trapped in the mine.

Along with South Africa, Gold Fields also operates mines in Peru, Ghana and Australia.