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Kumba Resources Signs Hiv/aids Policy With Unions
Release Date: 19/03/2003 17:18:23 Code(s): KMB
KUMBA RESOURCES SIGNS HIV/AIDS POLICY WITH UNIONS
KUMBA RESOURCES LIMITED
Registration Number 2000/011076/06
SHARE CODE : KMB
ISIN : ZAE000034310
KUMBA RESOURCES SIGNS HIV/AIDS POLICY WITH UNIONS
Metals and mining company Kumba Resources ("Kumba") and labour unions have
reached agreement on the company"s HIV/AIDS policy, which was confirmed at a
policy signing ceremony held yesterday.
Representatives from the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and the
Building Allied Mining and Construction Workers Union signed the policy, marking
the culmination of an extensive process of consultation between Kumba and the
unions.
Kumba"s chief executive, Dr Con Fauconnier, said: "The policy sets out a
framework for the implementation of various HIV/AIDS programmes aimed at
preventing more people becoming infected and to reduce stigmatisation of those
affected. The policy is also geared to extend the lives of infected employees
and to minimise the impact of HIV-AIDS on the company and its employees through
comprehensive, proactive HIV/AIDS programmes."
The policy signing follows a recently completed financial impact study which
examined the financial cost implications of HIV/AIDS and programmes to Kumba, as
well as the completion of a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices assessment of the
current HIV/AIDS situation at Kumba business units.
"Kumba"s HIV prevalence rate of 11% makes us under-exposed to HIV/AIDS in terms
of mining industry norms. Our HIV/AIDS policy acknowledges the company"s
understanding of HIV/AIDS as a chronic, life-threatening disease and seeks to
ensure a uniform and fair approach to dealing with HIV/AIDS issues in the
company," said Dr Fauconnier.
HIV/AIDS committees at all Kumba business units will work closely with union
representatives in the roll-out of the policy programmes.
Among issues dealt with by the policy are sexually transmitted infections;
voluntary testing; education, training and awareness; wellness management;
treatment for terminally ill employees; indigenous and other natural immune
boosters; and nutrition and nutritional supplements.
Kumba believes that HIV-infected employees may benefit from antiretroviral
therapy (ART) but that the feasibility, safety, ethics and cost of introducing
ART in the mining context needs further assessment. The company plans to
undertake a feasibility study at pilot sites to investigate the efficacy of ART.
Results of the study, as well as data made available by similar studies at other
companies, will be analysed and recommendations made to the Kumba Board of
Directors by the end of the year regarding funding and the possible application
of ART at Kumba.
ends
Note
KUMBA RESOURCES LIMITED
Kumba Resources Limited, one of the largest South African-based mining companies
listed on the JSE Securities Exchange, is a focused metals and mining company
with a diverse commodity portfolio consisting of iron ore, heavy minerals, coal,
base metals and industrial minerals. www.kumbaresources.com
For further information, please contact:
Dr Con Fauconnier
Chief Executive
Tel: 012 - 307-4314
For media relations enquiries, please contact:
Pat Mdoda
General Manager: Corporate Affairs
Tel: 012 - 307-4553
Mobile: 083 609 1204
For investor relations enquiries, please contact:
Trevor Arran
General Manager: Investor Relations
Tel: 012 - 307-3292
Mobile: 083 609 1444
Telephone : + 27 (12) 307 4843 P.O. Box 9229
Telefax : + 27 (12) 307 4080 PRETORIA 0001
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