Zimbabwe’s third-largest platinum group metal (PGM) producer, Unki Mine, located in Shurugwi, has reached nearly 12 years without a fatality, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This milestone makes Unki the first mine in Zimbabwe to achieve such an impressive safety record.
The achievement reflects Unki Mine’s unwavering commitment to Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) performance, underpinned by rigorous monitoring and adherence to Anglo American Platinum’s safety protocols.
Unki’s safety success is part of Anglo American Platinum’s broader strategy, which focuses on embedding a culture of safety across all its operations. This culture is driven by continuous risk assessments, advanced technology deployment, and a zero-harm mindset.
In 2023, Anglo American Platinum, Unki’s parent company, marked its second consecutive year without recording a fatality. The total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR) reached a historic low of 1.61 per million hours worked, representing a year-on-year improvement of 31% and an 85% improvement since 2012.
Unki, together with the Mogalakwena and Mototolo mines, has maintained over 11 years of fatality-free operations, while the Amandelbult mine achieved 96 million fatality-free shifts.
Unki Mine’s safety strategy hinges on several key elements:
Proactive Hazard Identification: The mine emphasises early detection and mitigation of potential hazards through regular safety audits and continuous risk assessments. These processes ensure that potential dangers are identified and addressed before they escalate.
Training and Safety Culture: Employees undergo regular safety training programs aimed at promoting a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility for workplace safety. Workers are encouraged to report unsafe conditions and intervene to prevent unsafe acts.
Technological Innovation: Unki leverages state-of-the-art technology to enhance safety, including the use of real-time monitoring systems to track equipment performance and worker safety, reducing the risk of accidents.
Emergency Preparedness: The mine maintains well-coordinated emergency response teams that are trained to handle accidents swiftly and effectively, minimising the risk of harm in critical situations.
Contractor Safety Management: The safety of contracted workers is integrated into Unki’s overall safety framework.
Unki Mine’s safety achievements align with its broader sustainability commitments. In 2021, Unki became the first mine in Africa to be assessed against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) comprehensive mining standard, achieving the IRMA 75 level of performance.
This recognition underscores Anglo American’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest responsible mining standards.
In 2019, Unki Mine was the first to publicly commit to being independently audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, a commitment verified by SCS Global Services. This landmark achievement highlights Unki’s role as a leader not only in safety but also in setting standards for responsible mining practices on the continent.
Through its commitment to safety and sustainable operations, Unki Mine continues to set a benchmark for the mining industry, proving that zero harm is not just a goal but an achievable reality.
