An investigation is underway to determine what caused an accident that claimed the life of a mineworker at Gold Field's Kloof mine in Carletonville, the mining company said on Tuesday.

Spokesman Julian Gwillim said a mine inspector was underground at the Kloof mine to gather information on what could have led to the mineworker being struck and killed by a snatch block on Monday night.

He said the company was awaiting results from the investigation before it could take any action.

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said in a statement that the mineworker was working a night shift when he was killed.

The recent death took the number of mineworkers killed while on duty this year to 145, said Seshoka.

"NUM regrets the accident and calls on [the] mineral resources department to order shaft closure in terms of section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act," Seshoka said.

The union called on its members to observe a day of mourning in line with the organisation's resolution.

Seshoka said contrary to what many argue, death in the mining industry remained a corporate norm.

"Those who hint that the figures are down may never have gone through the pain of losing a loved one through deliberate acts of both ignorance and negligence," he said.

Sapa

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