OPTIMUM COLLIERIES INVESTMENT - Optimum Coal

Remember our Value of
Care: “We place a high
premium on the
wellness and safety of
our people and
the communities
we operate in.”
It is interesting to participate in discussions
regarding global exchange rates and specifi cally
the Rand performance against either the US
Dollar, Euro or the Pound Sterling, or the Brent
crude price movements or commodity prices, and
in our case the coal prices or the performance of
the different stock markets. These discussions are
important to engage in as they keep us informed
of what is happening globally and ensure that we
stay relevant as key players, but these are truly the
domain of analysts who assist us to develop smart
strategies to lead our businesses into the future.
There are two categories of individuals,
namely those who understand and feel strong
and ‘omnipotent’ about discussing the above
mentioned matters and spend enormous energy
in these areas. And there are those who also
understand these issues and fully appreciate that
it is critical to understand and utilise this information,
but do not waste energy watching these and
instead worry about what they can control. I believe
as an Optimum employee, I fall into the latter category,
and would also like to believe that all our
employees fall into this category.
But what can we control? We
clearly can control Safety, Tons
and Costs. Our commitment to
develop Asiphephe and have
the entire workforce attending
this fi ve-day programme is a
clear message that we are
all concerned about each
other’s Health and Safety,
as well as the Environment.
I have been encouraged by
our performance in the area
since the beginning of the
fi nancial year and I know
that it’s early days, but let’s
work hard to keep up the good
work and let’s stay vigilant at all
times. Remember our Value of
LEADERSHIP SPEAKS
Charting the way forward
Care: “We place a high premium on the wellness
and Safety of our people and the communities we
operate in”. We are capable of controlling this!
We failed in the previous fi nancial year to
deliver the tons we agreed upon and this is not
what Optimum espouses. I have seen during the
fi rst month of this fi nancial year, though its early
days, that we are capable to deliver the targets we
set. Remember our Value of Integrity: “We value
loyalty and trust whilst honouring interests and
undertakings made to others”. I know that we are
capable of delivering on our promises and this is
within our control!
One of the big challenges is our inability to
properly manage Costs. Our goal is to be amongst or
be the lowest cost producer in the world and when
I look at the experience and knowledge we have
in our organisation, I believe this is a controllable.
We can work hard and end up mastering this.
Remember our Value of Accountability: “We are
accountable for decisions taken and delivery of
agreed undertakings”. We must dedicate this
fi nancial year to working hard at this!
Who are we?
• An empowered team capable of harnessing
each others’ talents;
• A diverse team driven by respect and the ability
to harness quality relationships;
• A purpose driven team that thrives in the
achievements of its people and business
goals;
• A team that embraces a simple and clean
business approach.
In summary, we have started our second fi nancial
year and I am looking forward to an enthused team
that will deliver great results and ensure that all
stakeholders are excited about our future.
Mike Teke
Chief Executive Offi cer, Optimum Coal
July/August/September 2009 3