Building on its commitment to workplace safety, January marks a proud milestone for Exxaro Resources’ modern digital and connected mine - Belfast Coal in Mpumalanga, which has recorded 500 days free of workplace injuries.  The newly constructed Belfast Coal Mine started producing high grade thermal coal six months earlier than expected on 12 September 2019.

“We completed 2021 without a lost time injury (LTI), which is a remarkable achievement. We are grateful that our employees and contractors could return to their loved one’s injury free,” said Belfast mine Business Unit Manager, Londolani Rampfumedzi.

The Belfast team has maintained an overall Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.00, above its target of 0.08.

This impressive performance is part of Exxaro’s long-standing track record of prioritising mining safety, with its latest achievement attributable to the company’s 2019 campaign, Khetha Ukuphepa, which is translated as “Choose Safety”.

As part of the campaign, the company has implemented measures to ensure that every employee adheres to strict safety standards and forms part of Exxaro’s goal of Zero Harm across all its assets. Rampfumedzi said such a success could only be achieved by building a culture of safety where every single employee takes accountability for the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” said Rampfumedzi.

Exxaro Group Manager for Health and Safety, Dr Joseph Matjila said Belfast Coal was a shining example of what could be achieved through collective teamwork.

“It is encouraging to witness first-hand the hard work and dedication that the leadership have shown in implementing the strategic initiatives to improve safety practices so that every employee can work in an environment in which they can be trusted to be safe. I am incredibly proud of the Belfast team.”

He called on all stakeholders to continue to prioritise worker safety to reach the next target – 1095 LTI free days.

“We are committed to reducing the risks associated with mining activity and our vision is to become one of the country’s safest companies to work for. We will continue to subscribe to national and global standards and look into innovative new strategies to help our staff live safer and fuller lives at work and beyond,” Matjila concluded.