HIV/AIDS

We conduct mining operations in countries where HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. So in line with our commitment to sustainable development, we are proactive and responsible in supporting our employees in both the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

We take our lead from the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Code of Good Practice on HIV/AIDS. In other words, we do not tolerate discrimination towards employees who are diagnosed with the disease. Nor do we screen for it during the recruitment process, or use screening as a condition of employment.

How we deal with HIV/AIDS

However, once employed by us, our people in Africa can choose to benefit from the services provided under our HIV/AIDS Strategy, which was developed in 2003. Employees are given advice on how to avoid contracting the disease. And those who are found to be HIV positive, and their nominated partner, are given free access to a support and therapy programme that includes antiretroviral therapy.

We are also among eight mining companies that have agreed to pay for clinical trials of a new HIV vaccine in South Africa. This vaccine has been developed to boost the patient's immune system and help them fight the Aids virus.

We are also planning ahead at our new mineral sands operation in Madagascar, where currently the rate of infected people is only one per cent. But, while we try to hire locally as much as possible, we are also expecting to employ others from nearby countries where the rate is much higher. So the potential introduction of HIV/AIDS into Madagascar is a critical risk and one that we are committed to managing effectively.

To than end, we are working actively with the construction companies to establish practical standards and codes of conduct for all employees and contractors, provide assistance and advice, and make clear the consequences of non compliance with company policy.