We wanted to ensure that Thabazimbi Mine was able to close successfully from start to finish. This is why we made sure that our risk and safety management contract, as well as a strategic closure risk assessment, were tailored to fit the mine’s unique needs.

When the mine, part of Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore, experienced a significant slope failure in its major ore producing pit, it was effectively and figuratively the final nail in the Thabazimbi coffin.

Since that incident on 6 June 2015, the process to close the 84-year-old iron ore mine in Limpopo has run its course, terminating approximately 1,100 jobs.

As part of the closure process and subsequent to the compilation of a first draft closure plan, VBKOM was contracted to assist and review the project-wide risk- and safety management practices.

VBKOM - Risk Management Consulting

In the process VBKOM facilitated a strategic closure risk assessment and delivered a holistic risk management plan spanning the closure timelines.

The Thabazimbi Mine closure undertaking is a significant endeavour, given the size in terms of time and cost, and it was a rich learning experience to partner with the Kumba team in optimising the risk aspects of the closure plan.

For more information about our risk management services, please contact us.