AngloGold Ashanti remains committed to eliminating accidents at work and is determined to achieve significant improvements in the year ahead. In the words of Bobby Godsell, “Every death is unacceptable. While we have achieved significant improvements in recent years and expended a great deal of effort, the recent trend means that we simply have to intensify our efforts.”
The prevention of occupational lung disease and, in particular, silicosis, is a key focus within AngloGold Ashanti’s occupational health strategy. Silicosis has long been associated with underground mining and is an issue that industry, governments, unions and health care professionals have been grappling with for many decades and one that is discussed in detail, in this case study.
An integrated malaria control programme, which was implemented in January 2006, at Obuasi and the outlying areas within the Obuasi Municipal Assembly area in Ghana, has succeeded in halving malaria incidence in the area.
One of the most significant and multifaceted challenges facing AngloGold Ashanti is that of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). This global phenomenon and its impact - especially at the company’s operations in Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, Mali, Columbia and the Democratic Republic of Congo - is discussed in more detail in this case study.
The business combination between AngloGold and Ashanti in April 2004 was the start of a long and complex process of not only combining the physical assets of the company into a single operating and accounting entity, but it also involved a multi-faceted process with the stakeholders of the company, both internally and externally, particularly in Ghana.
One of the most important aspects of AngloGold Ashanti’s HIV/AIDS programme is to encourage and promote attendance at voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres. This case study looks at the company’s progress and also at the impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African operations.
In October 2006, AngloGold Ashanti, the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity, UASA and Izingwe Holdings (Pty) Limited jointly announced the launch of an employees share ownership plan (ESOP), together with a black economic empowerment transaction.
In March 2005, AngloGold Ashanti’s Executive Committee took the decision to pursue ISO14001 certification for all its operating mines in support of a strategic recommendation made by the group environmental management team. A target was set by the committee that all operations should achieve certification by 2006 and this case study discusses the progress made by the company.
AngloGold Ashanti Annual Report 2006 - Report to Society