AFRICAN BUZZ •
“ These problems aren ’ t new , rather they have grown in the face of inactivity of law-enforcers and the silence of victims of criminal activity . Inaction today will surely lead to much bigger problems in future as organised crime syndicates recruit foot soldiers from the ranks of local communities and further afield to squeeze mines to comply with their demands .
Teamwork needed “ What is needed right now are level heads , a unified approach and no tolerance of any criminal activity on or near our mining sites . It is also a good time to revisit community forums and structures to ensure surrounding communities are being accurately represented and are deriving benefit from the operation in line with the company ’ s corporate social responsibilities .
“ Sound community relations are key in shutting the doors on organised crime and act as a telegraph to warn of impending organised criminal activity . If the community feels invested in the mining operation , they will almost certainly blow the whistle on criminal plans before they happen .
“ Mines should also become active in community forums , security initiatives and should at the very least have a strong relationship with the local police commander , police forum and security establishments in the area , along with a working relationship with the DMRE , ASPASA and other industry bodies representing surface and other types of mines .
ROSOND CELEBRATES ITS INCREDIBLE TEAM OF WOMEN IN MINING
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All photos by Rosond
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1 . Rosond drill assistant , Lesogo Mavis Kanon .
2 . Rosond Drill Assistant , Reabetswe Prudence Kaekae .
3 . A Rosond-trained female drill rig crew at Kumba Iron Ore .
The mining industry has traditionally been a male-dominated environment . Nowhere is this more evident than in exploration drilling , where handling the drill rods alone requires substantial physical strength and dexterity , in addition to being able to load and unload heavy equipment from the drill rigs itself .
However , when drilling technology solutions provider Rosond of Midrand designed and developed a next-generation drill rig that automates this arduous and dangerous process , an opportunity arose for several women to be deployed at Kumba Iron Ore in the Northern Cape .
Recruiting and training this team formed part of the company ’ s tender with Anglo American , explains Rosond MD Ricardo Ribeiro .
“ What I enjoy most about my job is that we always work as a team . This truly creates a family environment where everybody is there for each other . I feel empowered , because for many years only men were allowed to work in the
African Mining • September 2021 • 5