The council said with 300,779 vaccinations, more than two-thirds of the industry's 450,000 employees and contractors were fully (80%) and partially (20%) vaccinated as the sector moved towards its target of 80% vaccinations.

"It is more important than ever for people to be vaccinated as there are growing concerns that the fourth wave of infections is not far off," head of health Dr Thuthula Balfour said.

The council said its members accounted for about 95% of the industry's workforce in the country.

It's recorded 53,789 positive cases, with 139 active, and 725 deaths according to its latest figures released on Monday.

The vaccination push has the support of unions in South Africa, provided the jabs aren't compulsory.

BHP jab policy challenged

Mining giant BHP made it compulsory last month for all workers and visitors to its Australian sites to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, although this policy has been challenged by the CFMEU Mining and Energy union, after unvaccinated workers were stood down at BHP's Mount Arthur coal mine. 

The matter is being heard this week in the Fair Work Commission, with a decision expected next month.