Global mining exec visits Richards Bay mine
Rio Tinto exec compliments RBM on safety progress made at the mine.
RIO Tinto Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamonds and Minerals, Alan Davies, enjoyed a tour of the group’s local subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) on Friday after attending the Mining Indaba in Cape Town last week.
After viewing the company’s mining pond, smelter and Business Development Centre, the global mining giant’s headman was satisfied with the progress made in safety measures at RBM since last year.
‘While speaking to individuals it is evident that there is a concerted effort toward the identification and mitigation of risks,’ said Davies.
‘I am pleased with the overall safety performance of RBM over the last year and would like to encourage teams to continue working towards the goal of Zero Harm.’
Rio Tinto posted positive results recently and Davies said RBM’s performance as a low cost producer played a strong role.
RBM took swift action in implementing strict safety measures after a tragic accident led to the death of a heavy mobile equipment operator at the company’s Mining Pond C in November 2013.
Company management dedicated last year to ‘Zero Harm’, hosting numerous safety sessions and prioritising its Fatality Prevention Programme (FPP).
At the mine’s Titan Safety Awards 2014, Managing Director Mpho Mothoa emphasised how no practices posing any potential safety hazards will be tolerated.
‘The stark reality is that there were seven SPIs (significant potential injuries), so there were seven chances of us recording a serious injury or worst case scenario – another fatality.
‘Something I’m sure you will agree, we do not want to repeat. Not now. Not ever.
‘Safety is a collective effort and something we should all be mindful of.’
