QKR Namibia’s Navachab Gold Mine has recorded four million working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), marking a major occupational safety milestone at the mining operation.
Navachab Managing Director George Botshiwe said the achievement reflects the collective efforts of employees, contractors and business partners to prevent workplace injuries and strengthen safety practices across the mine.
The milestone was celebrated under the theme “One Team. One Goal. Zero Harm”, with the mine recognising employees, departments and contractors for their contribution to workplace safety.
“The milestone reflects the commitment and teamwork of employees, contractors and business partners who make safety a priority every day,” Botshiwe said.
“No task is so important that it cannot be done safely.”
As part of the recognition, Navachab’s Survey Section received the QKR Namibia Navachab Annual Safety Performance Award for its safety performance, while PCP ARGO was recognised for near-miss and incident reporting.
Contractor Safety Performance Awards were also presented to Kneumayer, Epiroc and Komatsu.
Three employees received N$1,000 vouchers through the mine’s near-miss reporting draw, with Botshiwe highlighting proactive reporting as an important tool for identifying hazards and preventing workplace incidents.
The mine also extended its safety awareness activities beyond its operations through the “I Take 5 for My Big 5” campaign.
As part of the initiative, a safety poster competition was held at Erbernezzer Primary School, where two learners were recognised for their entries and each received a N$1,000 voucher.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Botshiwe said.
He said despite reaching the four-million-hour milestone, the mine would continue focusing on personal accountability, proactive reporting and encouraging employees to look out for one another.
Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and other industry stakeholders attended the milestone celebration as Navachab continues efforts to strengthen occupational health and safety at its operations.
