Mine giant chief visits the Bay
Global mining giant CEO visits RBM to address last year's fatality on the mine
THE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the world’s second biggest iron ore shipper Rio Tinto, recently paid its subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) a visit to discuss safety precautions following an unfortunate fatality at the local mine last year.
Sam Walsh, who has been charting the course for the British-Australian mining giant as Chief Executive since last year, spent two days in Richards Bay to see the operations, spend time with the RBM team and share their experiences relating to the tragic death of their colleague four months ago.
The 30-year-old victim, Sifiso Simphiwe Praisegod Ngubane, died in a stacker move operation gone wrong at RBM’s Mining Pond C on 6 November.
‘Walsh was visibly moved by the employees’ experiences and visited the site of the tragedy with the RBM management team,’ said RBM Communities and Corporate Relations General Manager, Fundi Dlamini.
‘Together they spent some time talking about the importance of safety in everything that we do.
‘Walsh reiterated Rio Tinto’s commitment in ensuring that strong safety mechanisms are in place so that everyone is safe at all times,’ Dlamini said.
Walsh also told the workforce to stay alert and look out for each other.
‘It is 2014 and not 1814. All employees should go home safely,’ said Walsh.
‘It is important to remind our people of workplace hazards and ensure we all undertake our tasks safely.’
RBM Managing Director Mpho Mothoa emphasised the mineral mine’s focus on putting the safety culture at the heart of its business.
‘Rio Tinto’s safety value of ‘Zero Harm’ is not just a tagline – it is expected that it is entrenched in the hearts and minds of all employees,’ said Mothoa.
Walsh also met with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu and KZN Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, to reinforce Rio Tinto’s commitment to invest in the province.
RBM is currently completing the pre-feasibility study of the Zulti South expansion project which is expected to extend the mine life of RBM.
