Deaths at South African mines increased by 27 percent in the first three months of the year, compared with the same period last year...“The Department of Mineral Resources has raised its concerns with mining companies that have had fatalities and has subsequently written letters to their boards and is engaging with chief executives. “Where necessary, notices of stoppage will be issued until safety concerns are addressed...” [Department of Mineral Resources spokeswoman Zingaphi Jakuja said]... The latest data suggest that efforts to address safety issues in the country’s mines have not gained sufficient traction. A major contributor had been the poor safety and health record by subcontractors and contractors working on mines, Solidarity researcher Leigh McMaster said yesterday...A traditional concern in the industry had been that contractors were not on the same level regarding safety as full-time employees. [refers to Anglo Platinum, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony, Lonmin, Gold Fields]