BHP said Sifiso Mnisi was found in the dam and was wearing a life jacket.

“Emergency personnel responded immediately and were able to resuscitate Sifiso and transport him to a hospital in Pretoria,” the company said.

He passed away on Friday morning as a consequence of cerebral hypoxia – a lack of oxygen to the cerebral hemisphere of the brain.

“The company is providing Sifiso's family with support and assistance,” BHP said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sifiso's family and friends.”

BHP is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Back in October, 27-year-old mining operations supervisor Gregory Goslett died at the open cast operations of Khutala after a large piece of coal smashed through the windscreen of the light vehicle he was driving.

The Khutala colliery hosts one of the largest underground coal mining operations in the world, which exclusively supplies Eskom’s nearby Kendal power station.