CASE STUDIES

Industrial action at BRPM

During 2012 we experienced two unprotected strikes which resulted in the loss of 10 person days at BRPM. On 21 August this year we received demands from a group of rock drill operators. We engaged with the union and a deputation from the disgruntled employees over a period of three days.

Refer to the Industrial action at BRPM case study in the 2012 Annual report. (PDF - 54KB)

Environmental stewardship

Optimising water consumption at BRPM to ensure sustainability

BRPM's Boschkoppie Mine has a closed water circuit which results in excess water resulting from mining and processing operations collecting at the tailings facility. Because of the mine's net positive water balance we are producing more water than the return water dams can store and it has been necessary to store overflow water in a storage area adjacent to these dams.

Social Capital

Capacity building in local schools

BRPM invests in the schools serving its neighbouring communities. This investment has included building classrooms for overcrowded schools and providing desks, chairs and office equipment. In the past BRPM has also provided libraries and computers and ICT training.

Social Capital - SMME Development

A growing number of budding entrepreneurs from RBPlat’s doorstep communities are exploring the Sustainable Small Medium Enterprise Opportunities availed by the company to local business people by positioning themselves to provide the mine with services.

• Stephen Phekola
• Gigi Sethoba
• Reneilwe Masilo
• Cedric Lesele

Human Capital Development

An investment in training can change a life

Ben Molefe grew up in a rural village and like many South Africans, moved to an urban area to find work. However, because of his lack of qualifications, the only work he could find was manual labour working in the mines for contracting companies. He was a temporary employee and life was uncertain. He badly wanted to train to become a miner but lacked a matric pass with the necessary mathematics and science.

Local community members trained and employed to help build houses in the Robega Community

While advertising in the communities for candidates to register for the bricklaying course which is part of the SED Social and Labour Plan responsibilities, we were contacted by Tawana Construction which had been awarded a government project to build 50 houses in the Robega Community.

Styldrift

Sustainable Employment Opportunities

The option of Portable Spaza (Tuck) Shops was selected for providing the contractors and employees at the Styldrift project with a means of purchasing refreshments on Site.

Human Capital Development

The Styldrift project is still in the development stage but once production starts the operation will require Mechanised Mining Machine Operators. This is a critical and scarce skill as this area mostly applies conventional mining methods.

Asset Focused Development

A model of Asset Focused Development (AFD) was introduced to learners as a tool to develop them towards a future as successful entrepreneurs.