Download Waterberg sample - Words' Worth

12mm
12mm
6mm
6mm
12mm
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Turn to page 2
LTI-free
SAFE DAYS
6 1
Congratulations to Reductants
for achieving 61 “Safe Days” since
reaching its target on 16 August 2012
– making it the Waterberg Region’s
top performer as at end of September.
A publication for
Exxaro’s people in the Waterberg Region issue 3 october 2012
High performance
under pressure
Coal keeps feeding the
furnaces – strong half-year results
Turn the page for more
18mm
IN THIS ISSUE – 2 Message from Grootegeluk mine manager; 3 A top-notch half-year performance; 4 Our women miners
– from strength to strength; 6 365 days of safety; Message from BU manager, Reductants; 7 All about community; 8 A High 5
lunch for Waterberg’s hard workers; 10 PITs awarded; Exxaro achieves RTMS accreditation; 11 A tree in time...; 12 Supporting
Lephalale development; 13 Long-service employees saluted; 14 Fun for all at the Bosveld Festival; 15 Casual Day cheer;
16 Services need-to-knows.

We have faced a myriad of challenges
throughout the year, especially on the safety front,
culminating in the tragic loss of our colleague,
Shadrack Moroka. On 19 October I apologised
to the Moroka family for not being able to return
Shadrack home safely. As a leader responsible
for ensuring employee safety, I wish to never
experience this again.
Many of our processes were expedited
to reduce the Moroka family’s burden during
this difficult time and personal support was
provided to ensure that their needs were met. On
30 October, we visited the family again to assess
their situation. We will remain in contact with
them.
I am pleased to inform you that Andre van
der Merwe who survived the accident, has been
released from hospital. We are providing the
necessary support for Andre to return to work as
soon as he is fit and wish him a speedy recovery.
The internal inquiry into the incident has
commenced. Thank you to all involved for the
work that has led to its current status. We hope
that the outcome will help us to understand
what happened and learn from it. The external
investigation, chaired by the Department
of Mineral Resources’ (DMR) inspectors, is
scheduled for the end of November.
“Rise to the challenge
and forge ahead”
From Mervin Govender, Grootegeluk mine manager
Grootegeluk suffers a fatality
Grootegeluk regrets to report that one of the mine’s employees
died following an accident on 19 October. A preliminary
investigation revealed that Shadrack Moroka, aged 57,
sustained fatal injuries when a Haulpak truck collided with
an LDV bakkie of which he was an occupant. Together with
the Department of Minerals and Energy, a full investigation is
currently underway to determine the cause of the accident and
prevent similar occurrences.
Mxolisi Mgojo, executive general manager, Coal, extended
sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of
the deceased. “We recently announced a 12-month period
without any fatalities,” he said. “Safety remains a top priority
for Exxaro and we will continue to strive to achieve Zero
Harm at our operations. On behalf of management and all
employees, I convey our deepest sympathy.”
The Section 54 was lifted successfully
and operations restarted. We are picking up
momentum in our operations. Powerstation
dispatches remain a priority as we strive to “keep
the nation’s lights on”. Every non-production day
has serious implications on Exxaro reaching its
targets, and therefore also on employee bonuses.
As we work towards restoring operational
performance, I am concerned about the
continued rise in damage incidents. This is a very
disturbing trend. I encourage you to please take
extra care in the execution of your duties and
look out for one another, so that we may all return
home safely after every shift. Not only do we care
about you but Exxaro also needs you. You are the
secret ingredient in our organisation’s success
and we cannot afford any injuries or losses.
The Marapong water problem was brought
to our attention and we consulted the local
authorities to rectify the situation. We will
continue to engage until the service is restored to
acceptable levels.
In times like these, we need to stand together
as a united front. Our strength as a team has
been tested – let’s rise to the challenge and
forge ahead. We need to ensure the survival of
our mine for ourselves and for our families and
communities. Finger-pointing and blame will only
delay progress and undermine our efforts towards
a better future. Feel free to raise any concerns
you may have with management so that we can
address them timeously.
If you require counselling services, contact
the CareWays employee assistance programme
on 0800 004 770 or speak to someone you feel
comfortable with. Do not wait to address issues
affecting your wellbeing – take action now!
Take note
We don’t have a message from
Waterberg Regional General Manager,
Johan Wepener. Our thoughts and
prayers are with him as he recovers
after surgery. We look forward to his
return and hearing from him in our
next edition.
WATCH THIS SPACE!
Thank you for submitting your entries for the
newsletter’s naming competition. The winner
will be announced in our next edition.
Send your suggestions, photographs or articles to one of the
following members of the Waterberg newsletter’s editorial team:
Thandeka Mchunu at thandeka.mchunu@exxaro.com
Phone: 014 763 9089 Fax: 086 210 9048
Cora du Plooy at cora.duplooy@exxaro.com
Phone: 014 763 9343 Fax: 012 307 5602
Thank you to all who contributed to this edition.
We look forward to receiving more news from you.
Keeping up excellence
In August, the group released its interim
financial results and declared a gross cash
dividend of 350 cents per share for the sixmonth
period ended 30 June 2012, payable to
shareholders of ordinary shares. Employees at
BUs in the Waterberg Region also qualified for
tier one of the short-term incentive scheme and
received bonuses.
Exxaro’s consolidated revenue increased
marginally by 3% to R9,8 billion, mainly as a result
of higher mineral sands prices at lower volumes,
a weaker local currency and lower coal volumes
at lower export prices. However, attributable
earnings, inclusive of the group’s equity
accounted investment in associates, amounted to
R9,05 billion or 2 555 cents per share – up 177%
from 2011’s 921 cents per share.
Announcing the results to Exxaro’s Waterberg
Region, executive general manager, Coal, Mxolisi
Mgojo, said “the improvement of our portfolio
remains a priority and years of focusing on this
pillar led to various corporate activities during the
first half of 2012. As one of our main sources of
income, the coal portfolio has to be continuously
reassessed. We hereby ensure that Exxaro
strikes a balance between tied and commercial
mines, different products and qualities, and local
and export markets. In line with the strategy
to improve our portfolio, we are constantly
considering options and opportunities to improve
our coal assets. This is the only way we will be
able to achieve the coal strategy objectives and,
as a result, have direct influence on the overall
group strategy.”
Coal revenue remained stable at R5,83 billion,
mainly due to higher average domestic prices,
partially offset by lower export prices and
volumes. The slight increase in revenue was not
enough to counter inflationary cost increases
which resulted in a decrease in net operating profit
to R1,35 billion at an operating margin of 23%.
“With regards to projects in the Waterberg
Region, we are delighted to announce that the
Grootegeluk Medupi Expansion Project (GMEP)
is on track with its first coal already delivered to
Coal’s revenue of R5,825bn
equates to about 60% of
Exxaro’s R9,756bn total
revenue earned for the half
year period.
Zero fatalities,
a 42% increase in core
net profit and a rise in
headline earnings to
11% per share – these
were only some of the
highlights of the first six
months. We take a look
at Exxaro’s half-year
financial results.
Eskom,” Mxolisi said. “We are also excited by
the prospects offered by Moranbah South as we
complete the pre-feasibility study towards the
end of this year. Plans are in place to start the
bankable feasibility study in early 2013 and we
eagerly await approval for the Thabametsi Mining
Right.”
Commenting on safety performance, Mxolisi
said “safety is first and foremost to our business.
We are therefore grateful to report that we not only
experienced a fatality-free first half of the year but
also a 12-month fatality-free period on 12 July. This
occurrence is rare in our industry and although we
are pleased and thankful, we need to consistently
guard against complacency. I am exceptionally
proud of our employees and contractors who
proved their commitment to safety.
“Unfortunately, this good performance
slipped somewhat during the last six months
and our Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate
(LTIFR) increased to 0,26. Rest assured that the
reduction of our LTIFR is Exco’s top priority and
relevant actions have been implemented to bring
down the number of incidents at all levels.”
Mxolisi also shared remarkable prospects
regarding Exxaro’s iron ore and energy projects.
“After the successful acquisition of African Iron
Limited, Exxaro is embarking on a detailed review
of its iron ore assets in the Republic of Congo.
We are very excited about the development of
Mayoko as it promises to form a significant part
of our future business. Early indications show that
we should be able to develop a mine delivering
at least 10Mtpa of high-grade iron ore within
five years and a number of fast-tracking options
R5,83bn
coal revenue remains
stable
177%
increase in attributable
earnings from 2011
0,26
LTIFR as at end June
are being investigated to get operations started
as soon as possible. We are fortunate to enjoy
strong support from the Congo government.
“As part of Exxaro’s commitment to protect
energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint,
we are engaged in various initiatives, including our
recent formation of the Cennergi Joint Venture
(JV) with Tata Power. Cennergi has already been
awarded two projects, the Tsitsikamma and
Amakhala Emoyeni wind farms, which will be the
immediate focus while the JV establishes itself
in the cleaner energy domain. We are also busy
building the first co-generation plant at Namakwa
Sands with installed capacity of 13,6MW,
scheduled for hot commissioning by 2013,”
Mxolisi said.
Well done to every employee for contributing
to Exxaro’s solid performance and thank you for
continuously working towards excellence.
2
issue 3 october 2012
issue 3 october 2012 3

Powering possibility for women
Janine van Rooyen,
one of the event’s
speakers who
discussed sexual
harassment.
Below – Attendees
enjoying the
inaugural WiM
seminar in the
Waterberg.
Female employees from Exxaro’s Waterberg operations
were treated to the inaugural Women in Mining (WiM)
seminar in August. In support and celebration of the
advancement of women in the mining industry, it was a day
filled with knowledge sharing, motivation and inspiration.
Above – Thirosha Govender (left), spouse
to Grootegeluk mine manager, Mervin
Govender, with Retha Piater, keynote speaker
and executive general manager for Human
Resources; Dipuo Mokone, WiM chairperson;
and Tebogo Leepile, Grootegeluk Human
Resources manager.
“We hope this event will serve as a platform
for you to acknowledge the vital contribution
you make to our business, to celebrate your
achievements and to highlight the progress made
in terms of recruiting, training and developing
women within Exxaro,” said Grootegeluk mine
manager, Mervin Govender, in his opening
address. “We recognise and appreciate your
unique input and the value you add at every level
of our organisation.
“The advancement of women in the mining
“Growing up destitute did not
deter me from dreaming and
ensuring that I realised my
dreams of a better life. If you
set your mind to a goal,
you can achieve it.”
Humbulani Motsotsoana,
production manager at NCC
Grootegeluk Human
Resources manager,
Tebogo Leepile (far
left), and some of the
seminar’s speakers.
From the left are
Rosemary Mthunywa,
Sharon Marimuthoo,
Humbulani
Motsotsoana, Hanlie
van Zyl and Dipuo
Mokone.
“As a woman in mining and a
mother, there are two verbs
that I apply in my daily life: learn
and do. Learn from experience
and others, always do your
best and follow your dreams.”
Hanlie van Zyl,
mine planner at Grootegeluk
industry is a focus area of the Mining Charter.
In line with this requirement and to achieve our
20/20 vision, we need a skilled and diverse
workforce to grow and expand our business.
This holds great prospects for Exxaro’s female
employees. Embrace career development
opportunities, for it is imperative that you
prepare yourselves and be well equipped with
the necessary education and skills to make a
success of strategic or senior positions that may
become available,” Mervin said.
Keynote speaker and executive general
manager for Human Resources, Retha Piater,
inspired the audience with her career journey and
explained Exxaro’s stance on advancing women
in the organisation. “Exxaro wants to leverage
the uniqueness of women in this business and
increase the value added through diversity. We
therefore have programmes in place to attract,
develop and retain women at all levels of the
organisation,” she said.
Dipuo Mokone, WiM Forum chairperson,
shared strategic initiatives linked to the forum’s
roll out plan. In terms of recruitment, the
committee is investigating ways to attract
women and provide on-the-job training, while the
retention leg focuses on aspects such as facilities,
policies, recognition and support networks. To
enable growth, the forum is examining individual
development plans, mentoring and coaching
programmes and identifying high performers for
leadership development opportunities.
Motivational speaker, Sharon Marimuthoo,
discussed how introspection aids in discovering
true potential and the importance of not only
surrounding yourself with supportive people but
also providing support to those around you.
Another presenter, Janine van Rooyen, educated
the ladies on sexual harassment. “It is of the
utmost importance to know your rights, especially
in the workplace,” she said. “Do not be afraid to
make yourselves count and your voices heard.”
Since May this year, the Women in
Mining (WiM) schools visit programme has
reached nearly 2 000 learners in Lephalale and
its surrounding areas. The initiative provides
education about careers in mining while
aiming to spark interest in the industry and to
encourage scholars to work hard in preparation
for their tertiary studies. Focussing only on
grades 11 and 12 at first, the programme was
extended to cover all high school learners from
Grade 9 upwards in order to reach scholars
before they make subject choices.
In August, the forum participated in the
national science week programme at Phegelo
High School in Marapong. The programme
aims to inform and attract learners to careers
in science and technology. WiM presenters
from Exxaro’s various operational areas gave
learners an overview of the required training,
qualifications, study timelines, institution
options, daily activities and approximate salaries
relating to various work disciplines.
Excited learners from Phegelo
High School during a recent
visit by the WiM forum.
Women in Mining
has learners in the know
The WiM programme mainly focuses on
mining careers in core operational areas,
such as geology, metallurgy, surveying,
and mechanical, mining, civil, industrial and
electrical engineering. The forum also provides
information on bursaries and other skills
development programmes.
The WiM male presenters who are involved
in the forum’s schools visit programme. From
left are Owen Poo, Willie van Schalkwyk and
Jandré Marais.
Grootegeluk ladies see the bigger picture
Many of the female administration employees at Grootegeluk have spent
years working at the mine without ever visiting the pit. With the use of terms
such as “toktokkie” and “kiosk” around the office often leaving the ladies
puzzled, an educational tour was long overdue.
Wynand van Straaten, mining development manager, guided the women
on a tour of the open face coal pit and answered questions as the enthusiastic
ladies improved their understanding of the mine’s operations. They saw the
giant “toktokkie” crushing tool and colossal hauling trucks at work, which prior
to the excursion, many of them have only seen in photos.
“It was absolutely eye-opening!” said Ulinda Viljoen (pictured left), a personal
assistant working in the mining department. “I never knew the pit is so big
and that we use such massive equipment. We continue our daily tasks in our
offices, oblivious to the activities taking place around us. We really appreciate
the experience. Seeing the bigger picture will surely add value to our work.”
4
issue 3 october 2012
issue 3 october 2012 5