08 Jun 2020

Khoemacau Copper Mine has safety measures in place to comply with COVID-19 protocols.

Health and safety manager at the mine, Mr Diploma Ramooki said since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, they ensured 100 per cent adherence to safety precautions by all employees.

He made the remarks recently when briefing the media before touring some mine operations.

He said there was nothing more important to the mine than its employees, hence their commitment to ensure their safety. Employees, he said, were furnished with protective clothing and masks, adding that all shared spaces were disinfected two to three times a day.

 He also said they kept registers and took temperatures of both employees and visitors.

Mr Ramooki also said they were doing everything possible to operate the mine in a COVID-19 compliant manner, adding that they denied services to those who did not want to comply.

“Safety awareness is embedded in all employees and it is the responsibility of all. We encourage all to be compliant all the time to manage the pandemic,” he added.

He also revealed that the mine had signed a contract with Okavango Med Rescue because of the remoteness of their area.

Khoemacau mine is starting underground mining at Zone 5 near Kgwebe Hills, some 35 kilometres form Somelo while the offices are located at Toteng.

Mr Ramooki stated that they had a well-resourced clinic, adding that the mine doctor worked hand in hand with the Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT).

He pointed out that since the outbreak of COVID-19, they stopped conducting breathalyser exercises. Mr Ramooki explained that the mine subscribed to high and exemplary working standards characterised by safe systems, an injury free environment and zero harm policy.

He pointed out that as the mine was also located in the vicinity of a wildlife management area, employees needed to safeguard themselves at all times.

He said they lived harmoniously with the wild animals, adding that if they located snakes, elephants, lions and leopards among others, they contacted the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to relocate them. Ends