Diversified miner Exxaro Resources reports that, as of August 31, the number of Covid-19 tests conducted at two testing labs it set up had surpassed the 100 mark.

Exxaro has invested in opportunities to increase private testing capacity by setting up two Covid-19 PCR testing laboratories − one at the Grootgeluk mine’s Marapong occupational health facility, in Limpopo, and the other at the Matla coal mine’s occupational health centre, in Mpumalanga.

The labs are being used to test employees and, in the event of an active case, isolation and quarantine facilities have been made available in both provinces.

Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo says the lab at Matla serves the miner’s operations in Mpumalanga, and the Seriti Coal Operations, which comprise the New Denmark Colliery, New Vaal Colliery and New Largo Coal.

State-owned power utility Eskom has also expressed an interest in testing their employees from the Matimba and Medupi power stations in Lephalale, and at the Matla and Kriel power stations in Mpumalanga.

Mgojo envisages that these facilities will also support the local public health departments in the miner’s host communities.

Mgojo adds that the diversified resources company is employing risk assessments across all operations to ensure that Exxaro remains focused on the zero-harm vision, which forms part of the business’ Khetha Ukhuphepha campaign, and sustains the current safety performance of 41 months without any fatalities, while systematically ramping up production.

The testing labs form a critical part of Exxaro’s health and wellness strategy, which has identified early diagnosis of Covid-19 as a critical intervention in managing the pandemic.

This will help to avoid and contain the spread of the contagious virus, Mgojo notes.

“While the national infection rate trend is encouraging, we need to remain vigilant, and not drop our guard, especially considering the further easing of lockdowns to Level 2.

"Let us continue to be responsible in adhering to the protocols that have been instituted by government, and those we have established at our various operations. It is only through working together that we will overcome this pandemic,” he implores.