‘South Africa's mining industry to support COVID-19 vaccine rollout’ 15 January 2021

South Africa's mining companies will support government in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines as the nation battles a surge in infections, the industry body said on Friday. Mining companies say they are well placed to support the COVID-19 response thanks to decades of experience combatting tuberculosis and HIV-AIDS among workers, including the creation of on-site treatment facilities. The Minerals Council, which represents mining firms, said its members are developing plans to use the sector's healthcare infrastructure and delivery capability to accelerate the vaccination programme, but did not provide further detail.

…The government has called on the private sector, including miners, to help with the rollout of vaccines but has not yet outlined exactly how it should assist. "While Government is primarily responsible for funding the vaccine rollout and is the single buyer, the industry can play a material role in accelerating the vaccination programme on mines and in mining communities," said Minerals Council CEO Roger Baxter. Precious meals producer Sibanye-Stillwater said it could carry out 18,000 vaccinations a day using its 45 health and medical facilities.

…With around 233 COVID-19 deaths in the mining industry, according to Minerals Council statistics, unions have called on mining firms to help pay for vaccines. "They have been making huge profits, it's time for them to buy vaccines for their employees," said National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu. Higher precious metals prices, including a surge in gold and rhodium, have made miners flush with cash.