Modern Mining May 2025

HEALTH AND SAFETY

De Beers strengthens occupational hygiene talent for a safer future The company remains deeply committed to occupational health and safety as part of its broader Building Forever strategy, aimed at creating a better future for both its workforce and the environment, says Keneilwe Matjola, Principal Occupational Hygiene at De Beers.

Keneilwe Matjola, Principal Occupational Hygiene at De Beers.

“A t De Beers, our occupational hygiene programme is a clear demonstration of this commitment,” Matjola explains. “We proactively put in place preventive control measures to ensure our employees are safeguarded from occupational stresses and exposures that can arise in our operations. This focus aligns with our Group Safety and Sustainable Development policies and forms part of our everyday operational culture.” The role of occupational hygiene Occupational hygiene is a key pillar of occupational health and safety, working hand-in-hand with occupational safety and occupational medicine. The discipline focuses on the identification, evaluation and control of environmental stressors in the workplace that could cause illness or discomfort. In the mining industry, these stressors could include noise, dust, extreme temperatures, chemicals, illumination, vibration and indoor air quality. “Once these potential hazards are identified, the occupational hygienist evaluates their severity and frequency of exposure. We then explore whether the risks can be eliminated, substituted with safer alternatives, re-engineered to reduce exposure or

automated to remove human involvement where possible,” says Matjola. “Of course, personal protective equipment (PPE) forms a key part of the solution, but beyond that we implement policies, procedures and employee training to raise awareness and foster proactive risk management.” Managing risks across the diamond mining value chain The diamond mining value chain — comprising upstream, midstream, and downstream processes — presents varied risks at each stage. Upstream activities include exploration and extraction, midstream covers processing and transportation while downstream involves refining, manufacturing, and final distribution to consumers. “At every step of this value chain, our employees face different occupational exposures that could impact both their health and the overall business,” explains Matjola. “For example, exposure to high noise levels can result in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Inhalation of dust could lead to respiratory illnesses and prolonged exposure to vibration or poor ergonomics may result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In extreme cases, these

De Beers at a glance • Founded in 1888,

De Beers has a long history of diamond mining in South Africa. expertise in diamond exploration, mining, grading, marketing, and retail. across two continents and four countries: Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.

• The company has

• De Beers operates

26  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | MAY 2025