Mining environments have traditionally been linked to high TB risk.
the management of TB. This includes using screening tools to interrogate the symptoms associated with TB; taking chest X-rays and spirometry assessments during a mandatory annual medical surveillance programme and continuous health promotion to the employees, to help them understand and identify symptoms early. It also encourages screening during all consultations at its clinics. Continuous monitoring of employees infected with TB allows us to keep track of employees to limit the spread of the disease. We’ve taken a proactive approach in managing the
TB is a high-risk disease that can have a major impact for medical schemes, if it is not controlled and the correct preventative measures are not in place.
Healthcare, to improve awareness and eradicate any stigma. Our approach to TB is a well-integrated and holistic approach that encompasses the involvement of all stakeholders. This includes the monitoring of workplace exposures; the risk assessments associated with limiting these exposures; and the diagnosis and further treatment, as well as monitoring the employee. We are proud of the successes, but we continue to look ahead and
risk factors associated with TB, implementing an aggressive anti-retroviral therapy programme, for effective and successful management of HIV. We also work closely with the mines to ensure that dust exposures are minimised and that there are sufficient controls to improve the ventilations underground. We don’t manage TB in silos. It’s woven together in Occupational Health, which looks at everything from fitness to work assessments to the tracing of employees who may be exposed. Occupational clinics serve as primary healthcare sites where medication and treatment are standardised across all our clinics. We ensure effective chronic disease management, to prevent the weakening of
are always studying what’s new in this arena and working closely with other agencies that operate within the mining communities to constantly improve education around this topic. Ultimately, our goal is to
Long-term exposure to silica, platinum or coal dust can make the lungs more
vulnerable, increasing the susceptibility of contracting TB. And since mineworkers generally live in high density environments, this too can accelerate the community spread of TB.
decrease the TB incidence rate every year, over the entire mining work force, ideally by at least 10% year-on-year. And while we aim to achieve the Minerals Council of SA’s target of lowering mining sector TB rates
below that of the national rate by 2034, we remain focused on affecting consistent year-on-year reductions through our work with all other stakeholders in this critical environment. n
immune systems and reduce the potential for contracting opportunistic diseases. We also focus on health education, which is integrated into both Occupational Health and Primary
May 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 31
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