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Dear Editor
Sir, - Rössing has always valued the many positive
articles about the mine published in the Namibia Economist over the years.
These articles were of a high professional standard and certainly contributed
to the mine’s positive image nationally and also internationally.
However, the article: Rössing managing the environment
according to plans, written by Ms Hendrina Phillipus, published in the 20-26
April 2007 edition of the Namibia Economist, was in our view poorly written and
also contained factually incorrect information.
We are not aware that the reporter tried to contact the
mine’s management to obtain information - we would have gladly supplied the
correct information.
Of concern is that the article refers to an assistant
engineer, Angelbertha Kgosimang, working at the mine, while we have no record
of an employee by this name working at the mine.
Of even more concern is the quote attributed to the
assistant engineer that people living nearby are faced with some health
problems like lung cancer.
We would like to categorically state that this is not true.
Rössing has been in the forefront in the field of health for many years, with
specific programmes to monitor and control workers occupational exposures to
radiation and dust.
An internationally recognised monitoring system implemented
by the mine is the International Standards Organisations (ISO) 14001
certification.
The former Rössing employee referred to in the article but
who chose to remain anonymous, is quite right in saying that all new employees
undergo health, safety and environmental induction while current employees
undergo annual refresher training.
The aim of this programme is to train all employees and
contractors to wear the correct safety apparel applicable to specific work
areas, and is underwritten by the standards set by Rio Tinto (Rössing’s
majority shareholder) for the nearly 80 operations in 20 countries.
This safety apparel includes for example hardhats, safety
glasses, safety shoes, ear protection plugs, dust protection masks and many
more.
Mr Steinmann, we gladly extend an invitation to Ms Hendrina
Phillipus to visit the Rössing Uranium mine so that she can establish for
herself the high health, safety and environmental standards and practices that
we adhere to.
We trust that this will give her a first hand experience so
to write a follow-up article with the correct facts.
Yours sincerely,
Maryke Kröhne
Acting General Manager: Corporate Service,
Rössing Uranium Limited
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