Mining and Corporate Social Responsibility in Africa

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One of the key services offered by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives is health programmes, which are becoming more commonplace across Africa. In particular, large mining companies are offering programmes to help those suffering from HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB; diseases which pose the biggest threat to mine workers and their families.

As the global spread of swine flu demonstrates, ensuring disease control methods are in place is crucial for maintaining healthy communities. Mining companies have long since recognised that protecting the health of their workers not only increases productivity but also ensures the longevity of mining projects, particularly at operations with long lifecycles, such as diamond mines. Diamond specialist De Beers is a case in point. In recent years the company has invested in a HIV and AIDS management programme to raise awareness and provide treatment for its workers. It has also pioneered free antiretroviral treatments.

By the end of 2008, around 70% - 2% more than the previous year - of De Beers employees had participated in HIV testing at the company’s South African operations, while around 80% of permanent employees at the Voorspoed mine had participated in screening within the first six months of the mine opening, according to statistics published in its 2008 Report to Society.