Diversified mining group Menar is strengthening its women in mining (WiM) structures across its operations, linking gender inclusion directly to health, safety and operational performance, reports group health and safety manager Ricardo van Rooi.

Menar’s health and safety philosophy recognises that gender-specific item design, leadership accountability and workplace culture are “inseparable from overall mine safety performance”, he says.

“As the executive leadership, our goal is to create mining environments that are safe, functional and inclusive for every employee, and by integrating WiM structures into our safety management systems, we are driving real, measurable change on the ground,” highlights Van Rooi.

“Active WiM committees at the company’s Khanye Colliery in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng and Kangra in Driefontein, Mpumalanga have become central to this approach.

“Comprising representatives from all mine departments, the committees meet regularly to address workplace challenges affecting women, from personal protective equipment [PPE] design and facility access, to transport safety and harassment prevention,” he highlights.

Van Rooi says that outcomes from these meetings are escalated directly to senior management to ensure that gender-related safety improvements are treated as core operational priorities and not as optional undertakings.

He adds that recent results of such measures include implementing the Guideline for Mandatory Code of Practice for matters impacting WiM, such as campaigns targeting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), PPE, as well as safety and security at the operations.

“We complied with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ directives regarding WiM, which also drove tangible upgrades,” highlights Van Rooi.

These initiatives coincide with visible progress in leadership, exemplified by Menar’s women such as Menar subsidiaries Canyon Coal COO Jarmi Steyn, Kangra shift boss Precious Nkosi and Kangra environmental superintendent Mahlatse Monareng.

Role of Executive Leadership

Menar’s executive team has been proactive in connecting diversity, inclusion and safety with operational decision-making. “The primary role of our executives is to provide strategy, structure and the necessary resources. This includes campaigns, training programmes and direct engagement on challenges affecting women in mining,” he says. For example, employees are empowered to report incidents through various channels, including direct or anonymous reporting.

Further, Kangra COO John Scobbie spoke at the mine’s GBVF awareness campaign, from August 26 to 28, at the Udumo and Uthingo shaft sites in Mpumalanga, demonstrating a real commitment to cultural and behavioural change. He emphasised Menar’s zero tolerance approach to any form of abuse against women in the workplace.

Safety, he says, is not just about reducing injuries, but includes creating an environment where every employee feels secure, respected, and empowered to perform at their best.

Safety Apparel, Safety Metrics

Menar has invested in gender- specific PPE, addressing comfort, ergonomics and health. Conti and boiler suits feature longer jackets, higher waists and removable back flaps, while women’s gumboots are redesigned to prevent calf strain and podiatric issues.

According to Van Rooi, women’s PPE must be fit for purpose and be designed to address their unique safety concerns. “In the past, Menar facilitated this integration by trialling new designs with employees to ensure comfort and practicality before full-scale rollout to all women on site.”

“The impact of these measures is tracked through career development and retention metrics, reflecting the company’s belief that safety and inclusion drive long-term operational performance. Notable examples includeNozipho Masina and Lebogang Mothoa, who progressed from interns at Khanye Colliery to qualified engineers,” he adds.

“Seeing women advance in their careers is the clearest measure of our initiatives’ success as it shows that safety, diversity and inclusion as well as development are interconnected. When employees feel protected and supported, overall performance improves,” says Van Rooi.

“Menar’s experience demonstrates that health and safety innovation cannot be separated from diversity and equity. Furthermore, integrating women in leadership, collaborating with on-site committees and building an inclusive mining sector for everyone has enhanced operational resilience and improved safety culture across the operations,” he concludes.