Kagem Mining Limited Honored for Exceptional Safety Record
Kagem Mining Limited has been awarded a prestigious safety accolade by the Government of Zambia’s Mines Safety Department, recognizing the company’s remarkable achievement of 7,580,144 Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours. This milestone highlights Kagem’s steadfast commitment to workplace safety, employee well-being, responsible mining practices, and operational excellence.
A Lost Time Injury (LTI) refers to any injury sustained by an employee that results in a loss of productive work time. In the mining industry, maintaining a low LTI rate is crucial due to the inherently hazardous work environment. Achieving LTI-free hours signifies successful implementation and adherence to rigorous safety protocols, ensuring workforce well-being and minimizing operational disruptions. Kagem’s acceptable Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is ZERO (0).
The award ceremony in Kitwe was attended by prominent figures in the mining industry, government officials, and union representatives, including Lufwanyama District Commissioner Mr. Justin Mwalikwa, Kagem Mining Limited Chairman Dr. Sixtus Mulenga, Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. Lubinda Kamutumwa, Kagem Mining Limited Board Director Mr. Boniface Mutale, Mine Workers’ Union of Zambia representative Mr. George Mumba, President of the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) Mr. Saul Simujika, and Lufwanyama Council Chairperson Ms. Annie Kapandula.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Mines Safety Department, Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. Lubinda Kamutumwa expressed his gratitude to Kagem. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Kagem for their exemplary dedication to safety. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every member of the Kagem team. Looking forward, I believe that Kagem will continue to set the standard for safety in the mining industry,” Kamutumwa stated.
Kagem’s Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) department has a notable history of achievements. In 2023, Kagem became the first company in Africa to be certified to the Environmental Social and Governance Clarity Platform, reflecting its commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Kagem’s Chairman, Dr. Sixtus Mulenga, emphasized the significance of this achievement. “This achievement is not just a number; it represents the dedication, hard work, and commitment to safety by every member of the Kagem team. The certification we are about to receive from the Mines Safety Department is a testament to our steadfast commitment to safety and health. It is a recognition that every employee, every safety protocol, and every hour of hard work has contributed to making Kagem a beacon of safety excellence in the mining industry,” Dr. Mulenga said.
Zambia’s mining regulation 1601(4) mandates that managers report any accident resulting in an employee being incapacitated from performing their usual work for more than three days to the Chief Inspector of Mines. The award from the Mines Safety Department underscores Kagem’s leadership in the mining industry, setting new standards for safety and operational excellence.
Lufwanyama’s District Commissioner, Mr. Justin Mwalikwa, praised Kagem’s accomplishment. “This remarkable milestone is a testament to your dedication, hard work, and commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. Your efforts not only ensure the safety and well-being of your employees but also significantly contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Lufwanyama district,” Mwalikwa said.
In 2022, Kagem, which is owned 75% by Gemfields and 25% by the government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), achieved certifications for ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, and ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Previous milestones include achieving 3,599,678 LTI-free hours in 2015 and 3,127,934 LTI-free hours in 2014.
