MIKE TEKE
The safe performance of mining companies indicates that the industry’s goal of zero harm is achievable
Photo by: Duane Daws
Continual focus by all parties on mine health and safety was highlighted as key by the Chamber of Mines (CoM) during the MineSAFE 2016 conference on September 1.
The conference was hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, in collaboration with the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa, the Mine Metallurgical Managers Association and the South African Collieries Managers Association.
CoM president Mike Teke reiterated that “zero harm is our aim”, commemorating continued good performances in health, safety and the environment in the mining sector.
The conference focuses on health and safety in the mining and metallurgy industry, and on reducing environmental impacts.
Further, the event is a platform for learning and allows the sharing of ideas on health, safety and the environment.
The MineSAFE conference – which has been running since 2011 – aims to bring together the Department of Mineral Resources, the CoM and its members, mine associations, unions, and health and safety practitioners at all levels of the industry to share best practice and successful strategies for zero harm and a value-based approach to health and safety.
Teke added that the CoM was committed to the 2024 occupational safety milestones set up to ensure the elimination of fatalities and reduce injuries. “Every fatality is one too many.”
He said the CoM and its members had established the CEO Zero Harm Task Team to demonstrate the principle of leading mine health and safety from the top, and to ensure the achievement of the 2024 milestones on occupational health and safety.
“Whilst recognising that there is still much work to be done to achieve our quest for zero harm, we are encouraged by the mining sector’s 2015 landmark performance of reducing fatalities for the eighth consecutive year – where the last three years saw fatalities reduced to below 100, when mine mortalities have historically been over 100,” states Teke.
On behalf of the CoM, he congratulated the companies that had been recognised for their “sterling performance” at this year’s MineSAFE industry awards.