Emergency services tested during drill; need for preparedness emphasised

Located approximately 10 km south of Kathu, the Sishen Airfield is a privately owned and operated aerodrome which is licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Being in operation since the 1970s, the facility is primarily managed in support of the logistical requirements of Sishen Mine, facilitating the movement of personnel, management, contractors and scheduled aviation services between Johannesburg and the remote mining region.

As an SACAA-licensed facility accredited with an international standards document, the airfield is the only one in the mining region that is open to service the public.

To meet regulatory requirements and improve emergency response, Kumba Iron Ore along with key stakeholders recently conducted an emergency drill at the facility, simulating an airplane explosion resulting in casualties at the airport. The objective of the simulation was to gauge the response capabilities and effectiveness of emergency services within the area.

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Reflecting on the exercise, Tshepiso Mosoma, fire prevention section manager at Kumba Iron Ore and emergency drill project lead, highlights the importance of collaboration regarding emergency preparedness and response.

“The Sishen Airport is a strategic asset for both Kumba Iron Ore and the region. It unlocks a lot of economic value for local businesses and the communities in the area.”

As a facility that provides a service to the public, it is critical to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised. A lot of resources were activated for this simulation, including doctors, paramedics, military personnel, a rescue helicopter and ambulances to identify gaps, improve protocols and formulate strategies should such an event take place.

Stakeholders involved in executing the emergency drill included Airlink airline, the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Department of Health (Forensic Pathology), Gamagara Fire Department and Disaster Management teams, Assmang Khumani Mine, local hospitals and private emergency medical service providers amongst others.