MINING

Safety remains the highest priority

The mining industry experienced and reacted to the coronavirus pandemic in several ways. By RODNEY WEIDEMANN

The capacity of busses transporting miners has been reduced to minimise the risk of infection.

In the mining industry, which is predicated on large groups of people working closely together in enclosed spaces, the impact of COVID-19 has been felt in many ways.

James Wellsted, senior vice president for investor relations at Sibanye-Stillwater, says that the mining industry’s response to COVID-19 has been both proactive and engaged.

“The risk posed by COVID-19 was promptly prioritised and an executive coronavirus steering committee formed. A high-level, three-pronged approach was adopted. Firstly, we developed and implemented protocols, procedures and systems to measure and identify the risks,” he explains. “Secondly, we implemented proactive measures to mitigate the risks, and lastly, we prepared for and have managed the pandemic in a way that is least disruptive to our operations.”

Sibanye-Stillwater further adopted a more gradual, cautious approach to reopening operations after lockdown to ensure the safety and health of employees as much as possible, while sustaining a gradual build-up in operations.

“While there have been considerable upfront and ongoing costs in preparedness for the pandemic, there have also been many positive impacts,” Wellsted says. “These include an accelerated digitisation drive, less corporate travel and more efficient virtual meetings, more constructive engagement with all stakeholders, and closer engagement with government agencies and communities.

KEY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Screening of employees on arrival at work • Social distancing, including reduced capacity bussing • Provision of PPE, face masks, eye protection, gloves and sanitisers • Staggered shift times to reduce bottlenecks • Limited entry numbers • regular cleaning and sanitisation of work areas • Continuous reinforcement of protocols via billboards and signage • Office employees work remotely. Source: Sibanye Stillwater

“Sibanye-Stillwater is planning for a long road ahead. Although infection rates have dropped dramatically, we will continue to practise all related safety protocols. We offer counselling and psychological support for employees and their families and will continue to support all stakeholders in this regard. The key focus remains on enabling a safe environment for employees by observing key protocols while ensuring the sustainability of the operations to protect livelihoods and employment,” he concludes.

“Sibanye-Stillwater is planning for a long road ahead. Although infection rates have dropped dramatically, we will continue to practise all related safety protocols.” – James Wellsted, senior vice president investor relations, Sibanye-Stillwater

ZERO HARM TO ALL

Since its inception, 23 years ago, the “Some of the key successes include the Mine Health and Safety Council appointment of a critical workforce that is (MHSC) has conducted over 400 currently assisting the MHSC in managing research projects that have contributed research, through three technical committees. to the improvement of the health and Knowledge transfer and technology transfer, safety of mining employees. This has been which has signi cantly improved as research achieved through development and revision of outcomes are released by the MHSC. Various the legislative framework, training, promotion seed-funded projects have also been initiated and knowledge transfer. All of these are steps with MHSC’s research outcomes, aimed at on the path to the MHSC’s ultimate goal of improving health and safety in the mines,” “Zero Harm”. says the organisation’s spokesperson.

To achieve this, the organisation launched “The CoE continues to strive for worldthe Centre of Excellence (CoE) as the rst class excellence by investing in knowledge port of call for occupational health and and expanding its stakeholder network to safety issues within the sector. The CoE include global partners. Both the MHSC supports the goal of “Every Mine Worker and the CoE will continue working closely Returning from Work Unharmed Every Day” with stakeholders to pursue the ideal of and continues to strive for the signi cant zero harm.” reduction of occupational fatalities, injuries Source: Mine Health and Safety Council and diseases.

The MHSC has established a fourth industrial revolution (4IR) task team to look The MHSC has establisheD a fourth into safety-focused technology development, industrial revolution task team focusing particularly on understanding the impact of technology on people in the South African mining sector. to look into safety-focused technology development.

KEY TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPED IN PURSUIT OF “ZERO HARM”

• Prototype camera to assess rock mass condition • Development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), with functionality to: – Monitor rock mass movement – Assess air quality – Inform real-time decision-making – Provide a semi-real-time overview of the mine shafts – Conduct security surveillance – Assist search and rescue teams. Source: Mine Health and Safety Council