The Chamber of Mines and Petroleum has congratulated the mining sector for recording no fatalities at work in 2017 – a record that has not been achieved since 2008.
The figures released by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) on Monday saw the Fatality Frequency Rate (FFR) reported as zero, confirming there were no loss of lives at any of the regulated mining projects in Papua New Guinea last year.
The PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum acknowledged the diligence of the MRA and further congratulated mining projects for their commitment to the safety of their employees.
“Mining companies invest significant amount of resources in ensuring their employees are safe and to see that the mining sector as a whole has achieved this remarkable milestone is in itself a testament to the efforts mining projects have done over many years,” it stated.
“This achievement is especially significant when you consider the risks associated with mining operations, and the fact that mining companies directly employed over 17,000 workers last year.
“The results issued by the MRA reinforce the commitment of the mining sector to the health and safety of its people, and further reflects the care taken by employees to look after themselves and each other. The Chamber commends the strategies that have been put in place to ensure these high standards and the continued efforts being made support employees within the sector even further.”
(Newcrest Lihir employees making sure everyone properly wears a life jacket before they board a vessel on Lihir Island – Picture courtesy of PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum)