Harmony Gold Mining yesterday reported its 10th fatality for this calendar year, after a shaft-related incident at its Doornkop mine in the Gauteng province on Sunday.

It follows two deaths three days earlier at Harmony's Kusasalethu mine, in what was dubbed by the Minerals Council South Africa one of the industry's worst weeks with two multiple fatalities incidents.

"We are deeply concerned about the unfortunate incidents at our mines and will continue to drive our safety humanistic transformation initiative, to reinforce a proactive safety culture throughout our company," Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp said.

Mining in the affected area at Doornkop was stopped while an investigation was underway and relevant authorities and stakeholders had been informed, Harmony said.

The board, executives and management extended their prayers to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, the company said.

South Africa had a record low 51 mining fatalities in 2019.

There were 60 in 2020 and there had been 55 this year to October 28.

The minerals council has said it wants the summit held as soon as possible after this week's local government elections.