Safety
Our Safety Commitment
In conjunction with our workforce we established a health and safety policy that demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of each employee through the implementation of various health and safety activities.
Kamoa Copper has defined and is working towards the implementation of nine core elements as part of its safety strategy. These elements comprise: safe leadership; safe contractors; risk management; fatal risk control management; incident investigation and learnings; operational safety; assurance; action focused; and management reviews.
We established joint management-worker health and safety committees, including representatives from trade unions or employee forums in decision-making. We ensure gender inclusivity by incorporating female safety representatives to address specific health and safety needs, such as gender-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Kuwa Salama
We developed the Kuwa Salama initiative (which means BE SAFE in Swahili), with our workforce, to identify and prevent ten key risks and life-threatening behaviours at work.
Kamoa Copper initiated a mandatory drug and alcohol testing program to ensure employees’ sobriety while working, emphasising the importance of workplace safety. Additionally, the company offers education, awareness, and confidential counselling to support employees.
Numerous campaigns are launched throughout the year to address safety awareness through tailored topics. Other initiatives included monthly safety toolbox talks and safety awareness topics in the Tarifa La Kamoa employee magazine.
Kamoa Copper’s commitment to health and safety extends to its contractors as part of our safety journey.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Our EMS team comprises skilled medical, fire, and rescue professionals. They respond to medical, fire and hazmat incidents, providing crucial support for the mine and its vicinity.
Regular activities include emergency drills, medical evacuations, and internal first aid training.
Recognising the absence of internationally accredited training facilities in the region, our mission is to establish an on-site fire training and emergency response centre, pioneering the certification of internationally recognised firefighters in the DRC.
Crisis Management Planning and Emergency Preparedness
We acknowledge the potential health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks posed to personnel and communities by both natural disasters and mining activities.
Additionally, tailings management, geopolitical tensions, and social unrest present risks to our personnel and infrastructure. Recognising this, we consider it vital to assess and mitigate disaster risks, playing a positive role in safeguarding our people and environment.
In pursuit of this goal, we have developed an Emergency Response Plan and trained personnel to address medical, fire, and environmental emergencies promptly and safely.
The Rochelle de Villiers Joint Operations Centre
We honoured our former, late CFO Rochelle de Villiers, by naming the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) after him. The JOC employs cutting-edge security tech, like drones, long-range CCTV, non-lethal equipment, and radar for swift incident responses, aiding in emergencies such as trespassing, fires, or criminal activity.
A dedicated team operates 24/7, coordinating with various departments and first responders. Additionally, a progressive seven-step training program focusing on specialised skills like advanced driving and VIP protection has been introduced at the JOC.
Police Training and Development
In 2022, Kamoa Copper completed its first successful DRC police training course, with 16 students officially sworn in as Judicial Police Officers.
The design of a Police Station for the surrounding communities has commenced.