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Marikana Plant Leads SA In Safety

Minopex’s Marikana platinum processing plant has notched up a South African safety record with a Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) of seven years and has garnered the Mine Metallurgical Managers Association (MMMA) safety awards for two years running.

Minopex took over the operation and maintenance of the plant for its client Aquarius Platinum towards the end of 2002. Located near Rustenburg, it employees 127 permanent process technicians and artisans on site as well as contractors who undertake construction projects around the plant as required. The plant consists of primary, secondary and tertiary crushing units, two rod mills, a secondary ball mill, a flotation circuit, spiral plant and DMS plant. It operates on a 24-hour, 4-shift cycle, processing 220 000 tons of ore per month to produce 14 000 ounces of platinum.

Says Rashid Kader, Acting Site Manager (Area Manager – western region) at the Marikana plant, “Minopex has not only broken South African plant safety records but has also put the Marikana facility on the map internationally by making it one of the safest in the world.” In recognition of this achievement, the MMMA awarded the plant its safety award in 2009 and 2010, designating it the safest plant in its category of above 150 000 tons per month.

Says Kader, “Minopex has always taken a proactive and personal approach to safety at its various sites. Marikana has been a particular challenge due to the complexity of the plant. The company ensures that safety plays a critical role in employee and contractor education. Rather than simply define safety in terms of management systems, policies and procedures, it engages all stakeholders in the importance of making safety a part of their mindset.”

One initiative that has certainly paid off was introduced about four years ago. In a drive to reduce injuries on site, employees are encouraged to identify at least two hazards daily and to bring these to the attention of management. Staff are rewarded and recognised for their efforts. In addition the company also holds an internal safety competition among shifts.

Says Faan Robertse, Marikana’s Safety and Systems Co-Ordinator, “Teamwork is an important factor in ensuring a safe work environment from the shop floor to the management offices. With buy-in from management, employees and safety reps, we are able to enforce greater compliance with safety regulations. In addition, we operate a pre-work risk assessment system and maintain higher standards of safety training than is the norm while regularly monitoring training to ensure that it corresponds with our own goals as well as current safety legislation.”

Adds Kader, “The key to success is making everyone a part of the process. As a result, Minopex has placed itself in the lead in terms of safety.”

For further information contact:

Rashid Kader
Minopex Area manager (Western region)
Tel: +27 14 5721 503
Cell: +27 82 7786 473
www.minopex.co.za