Martin Endjala
Swakop Uranium which owns the Husab Mine in the Erongo region, has launched an investigation into an incident involving an employee of Beifang Mining Services, a company that provides contracting services at the mine.
The employee was involved in an incident with a haul truck owned and operated by Beifang Mining Services that fell to the bottom of a pit on Wednesday while attempting to offload its load.
Irvinne Simataa, Swakop Uranium’s executive vice president, confirmed that Beifang Mining Services is the mining contractor at Husab Mine.
“Operations were halted, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway. All other operations at Husab Mine have resumed after all employees have been briefed. Furthermore, all relevant authorities have been duly informed about the incident,” he informed.
He reaffirmed that Swakop Uranium remains committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all its employees and business partners.
Simataa reported that at around 12h00, all stakeholders received information about the incident.
Husab Mine is a low-risk, conventional, large-scale load-and-haul open pit mine that feeds ore to a conventional agitated acid leach process plant.
Witnesses said the driver managed to jump out of the truck after realising the dumping site was collapsing under the vehicle and that it started to fall over into the pit.
They said they rushed the driver to a Swakopmund hospital.
Husab Mine is the second-largest uranium mine in the world and represents an investment of US$5 billion. The mine has a potential life of more than 20 years.
In the Husab Mine 2023 second-quarterly newsletter, Swakop Uranium’s chief executive officer, Qiu Bin stated that there should be no compromise regarding ensuring employees’ safety.
“This positive attitude should filter into our everyday lives. We must strive for a culture of ‘safety first’ for the benefit of all. Safety also refers to safeguarding and maintaining our workstations and equipment. Safety should always be the first thought when engaging in our work,” he said.
He said this reduces costly repairs or unplanned maintenance, which have a negative impact on the business and profits.
In October 2018, Swakop Uranium recorded its first fatal accident. As a result of the incident Manfred Gaoseb (42) died when a fully loaded truck he was driving picked up speed as it made its way to the bottom of a pit.
Mining industry workers took to social media, speculating that the incident was a result of a relaxation in safety measures.
“I worked at mining for 27 years, the picture shows me that there are no safety berms on the benches where trucks tip material over. That is poor safety standards,” said Albertus Hanekom.
Hailaula Tateati Malakia accused Beifang of disrespecting the country’s laws and that the company needs to be warned.
“It can’t continue like this. This shows that there are no serious safety measures implemented. Stand up Namibia!,” he urged.
