CHAMWE KAIRA
The reported exposure of children to lead at Rosh Pinah is being probed by Rosh Pinah Mine new owners, Appian Capital Advisory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed cases of chronic lead exposure at Rosh Pinah in the //Kharas region with a number of chronic lead exposure among children.
Appian in a response to a query by Observer Money said the company takes these concerning allegations incredibly seriously, having only become aware of them following completion of the acquisition of Rosh Pinah in June.
“We are investigating as a matter of urgency and are working closely with Rosh Pinah and the relevant authorities. Protecting local communities, our employees, and the environment is our greatest priority. We will address any findings and ensure that the mine operates in line with Appian’s leading international standards,” the company said.
Appian said it regards environmental, social and governance standards as crucial elements within all investment opportunities and is committed to ensuring that all of its portfolio companies adhere to leading international standards.
“The Appian team is keenly aware of the continuous need for the social license to operate and ensures all of its projects have a well-established and long-term workable social license.”
Appian said it is a signatory to the United Nation’s Principles for Responsible Investment, the International Council on Mining & Metals Sustainable Development Framework, the ESG Data Convergence Initiative and said it supports the Responsible Sourcing initiative and is a partner of the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation.
Regarding mining operations, Appian and the Rosh Pinah Zinc Corp (RPZC) team have already identified many operating optimization initiatives during the period between signing (December 2022) and closing (June 2023) of the transaction, which we are now looking forward to executing.
“This is in addition to the RP2.0 Expansion Project, which remains core to Appian’s investment thesis. Appian has a best-in-class, in-house team comprised of individuals with both technical and financial backgrounds that will support the RPZC team in creating value at Rosh Pinah, both through optimization of the existing operations and successful delivery of the RP2.0 Expansion Project,” the company said.
Appian said mine is currently producing 700 000 tonnes of ore per annum. Annual ore production will be nearly doubled to 1.3 million tonnes once the RP2.0 Expansion Project is completed and fully ramped-up, the company said. It also plans to return all the current 450 employees.
Appian and RPZC are jointly working on optimizing certain aspects of the expansion project, including the financing structure. Early stage works have already started.
