Zero Covid-19 cases at Anglo American Platinum operations
The group said in a statement that they have the required systems in place to deal with suspected infections in a safe and timeous manner, and that no positive cases have been recorded at its operations thus far.
Mining group Anglo American Platinum has noted various inaccurate reports regarding Covid-19 positive cases at its operations.
In a statement, the group confirmed that to date, no employees or contractors have tested positive at any of its operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Jana Marais, Media Spokesperson of Anglo American Platinum, said a contractor who travelled from abroad with colleagues in March before the lockdown started, tested positive for Covid-19 upon his arrival in South Africa. In line with Anglo American Platinum’s protocols, which place the health and well-being of all employees and contractors first and foremost, the group of contractors was isolated and tested before they could proceed to Mogalakwena Complex to report for work.
Marais said the contractor didn’t visit the site and has since tested negative. The proper disclosure processes in line with government regulations and Anglo American’s internal protocols were followed. The recognised union was informed of the matter during their regular site engagements and the matter was also reported to the Minerals Council for inclusion in their public reporting of cases in the mining industry, the statement reads.
“We have since received confirmation that the spouses of two employees at Amandelbult in the Thabazimbi region have tested positive. The employees and their family members have since been tested. One family all tested negative, and we await the test results for the second family. As part of our WeCare programme, Anglo American Platinum has put extensive measures in place to combat the spread of the virus in the workplace and our host communities. These measures include the establishment of our own testing facilities, the implementation of extensive health screening measures, securing isolation and quarantine facilities for employees and their families, and appointing additional medical support staff.”
“The WeCare programme requires all employees to self-screen for symptoms and log their results on an app every day before they report for work. Where symptoms are recorded, initial medical support is provided at home. These measures are in addition to the screening measures at the workplace, as well as the extensive social distancing, hygiene and sanitation, and de-densification protocols that have been implemented.”
Marais stated that Anglo American Platinum is confident that they have the required systems in place to ensure they deal with suspected infections in a safe and timeous manner, that they can test their employees, trace possible contacts where needed, and provide the necessary support where required.
“We appeal to the public to desist from spreading unconfirmed reports during this time. Should cases of Covid-19 be detected and confirmed at our operations, we will report these transparently, and in line with the requirements set by various government authorities and industry bodies.”
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