Diamond miner De Beers Group has reported a major safety milestone at its Venetia mine in Limpopo, South Africa, achieving 13 million fatality-free shifts.
This accomplishment places the mine among an elite group of Southern African mining operations with such a sustained safety record.
The company attributes this achievement to the dedication of employees, contractors, and leadership in fostering a safe and caring work environment.
Over the years, Venetia has implemented proactive safety initiatives, including the Safe Sentry programme, where team members designate a sentry per shift to monitor, report, and address safety behaviours and hazards in real time.
“Achieving 13-million fatality-free shifts is a testament to the unwavering commitment of every person on our mine. It reflects not just a milestone, but a culture of care, accountability and continuous improvement,” said Beers Venetia Mine's senior general manager Ntokozo Ngema.
“At Venetia mine, we believe zero harm is possible, and this achievement brings us closer to making that belief a reality. Our teams live our values every day and have set a benchmark for what safe, responsible mining looks like.”
He said although this is an industry-leading performance, they will continue to demand more of themselves to ensure the workers remain safe and that every diamond the mine produces represents their care for, and commitment to, one another.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
