Thungela has been recognised with six awards at the 2023 CoalSAFE Conference hosted by the South African Colliery Managers’ Association in Johannesburg on 10 May 2023, under the theme “Responsible Coal Mining Stewards”. These accolades serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of our employees, as well as the communities in which we operate.
SAFETY:
- Thungela was recognised for operating fatality-free in 2022.
- Khwezela Colliery: 12,000 fatality-free production shifts (FFPS).
- Khwezela Colliery: Lost-time frequency rate of zero for 2022.
- Isibonelo Colliery: 12,802 fatality-free production shifts.
Thungela was recognised for operating fatality-free in 2022. Khwezela Colliery received anaward for the Zero LTI Frequency Rate and achieving 12 000 fatality-free shifts, while the Isibonelo Colliery was recognised for 12 802 fatality-free shifts. To achieve these results, Thungela introduced a transformation process to strengthen its safety culture and reduce risk in the workplace. This included training, coaching, and education to embed risk awareness into daily routines. It also implemented a work management model at four operations, improving planning and resource allocation, and reducing pressure on frontline leaders.
“Thungela's awards at the CoalSAFE Conference showcase our commitment to responsible coal mining stewardship. There is a clear need for safe mining, and it is great to see how the coal industry in Mpumalanga is stepping up to this challenge “said Carina Venter, executive head of safety, health, and environment.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
- 1st place: Goedehoop Colliery’s Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative.
- 3rd place: Goedehoop Colliery for its support of Becca Farming and Projects.
In the community development category, Thungela’s Goedehoop Colliery was awarded first place for the Mpumalanga Stainless steel Initiative (MSI) which saw the acquisition of a cutting-edge machine with the support of contracting partners, Komatsu Mining and Columbus. This has significantly bolstered the level of support the MSI offers to steel fabricators in the Middelburg area, enabling them to access untapped markets and expand their scope with high-precision work. The machine can cut a range of material thicknesses without limitation to the shape of the product required. This acquisition has resulted in the creation of 49 new jobs and sustained employment for 73 people.
Placing third is Goedehoop’s support provided to the BECCA Farming Projects, a local SMME that cultivates its peach orchard on a 121-hectare farm near Middelburg. The support provided forms part of the mine’s “Tool of the Trade” initiative which provides local small businesses with equipment required to succeed.
BECCA Farming Projects was provided with much-needed agricultural equipment, tools, and PPE. Through this support BECCA, Farming projects made significant strides in job creation, employing 11 individuals. “Community development projects like these help us address local challenges and foster socio-economic development. We believe that by supporting our communities, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives. Thungela congratulates all the winners and is honoured to play a role in creating a shared future that we can be proud of,” Venter concludes.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Wayne Mokhethi
wayne.mokhethi@thungela.com
073 894 7689