PMG MINING JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 WITH MAJOR COMMUNITY HAND HYGIENE PLAN

INTRODUCTION:

COVID?19, a new disease that spreads rapidly and grows at an exponential rate, has literally forced the globe to a standstill, killed more than 180 000 and continues to cause havoc to all major economies. South Africa, in a globalised world, has not escaped the devastating ramifications of COVID-19 in March 2020 President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a National Lockdown from 26 March 2020, which has been extended now to last until the end of April 2020.The primary objective with this historic social lockdown is to interrupt the transmission of the deadly coronavirus. Most governments including, South Africa approaches the fight against corona as a literal war and has popularised key social behaviours, amongst others, hand hygiene, social distancing, movement constraints and rigorous testing, as key to halt the spread. As the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on communities continue to grow, so governments are calling companies and others stakeholders towards a new social contract to help alleviate the social, health and economic effects of COVID-19. Businesses, including PMG Mining, have responded to the call by declaring war on corona and its consequences as a new corporate imperative.

ABOUT US:

PMG Mining (PTY) Limited engages in the exploration, mining and processing of manganese ore in South Africa, Central Africa and China. The majority shareholders from China, directors, managers and all employees of PMG Mining recognises the COVID-19 pandemic as a serious threat to the economic stability and public health of our host communities. PMG Mining is fully supportive of the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to interrupt the spread of COVID-19. The mine is working in close partnership with the SAPS Cluster, JTG Municipality, Tsantsabane Joint Operations Centre, Northern Cape Provincial Government and the Government of China to devise strategies to curtail the transmission of COVID-19 and specifically to contribute towards government screening and testing programs.

A HAND HYGIENE PLAN TO SUPPRESS COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION

According to the World Health Organisation, everyone has a crucial role to play in stopping COVID-19. Firstly, individuals must protect themselves and others by adopting hygienic social behaviours. Secondly, communities ought to be empowered to ensure that services are planned and adapted based on localised contexts. Thirdly, government must lead and coordinate the response across party lines to empower all communities to own the response through communication, education, engagement, capacity building and support.

Finally, private companies can provide expertise and innovation through the production and distribution of diagnostic devices, PPE, ventilators and other essential medical equipment. In accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation for community response strategies, PMG Mining rolled out a comprehensive hand hygiene plan in the Northern Cape.

To suppress community transmission, PMG Mining employees offered to supply and distribute alcohol-based hand sanitisers. These hand sanitisers, contained in 500 ml bottles and meant for individual use, were donated to police stations, local hospitals, municipalities and directly to host communities. The WHO and UNICEF estimates that globally 3 billion people lack hand hygiene facilities at home and two out of five healthcare facilities lack hand hygiene at points of care. When hand hygiene is provided free of charge and is made obligatory by public health authorities, acceptability and adherence to hand hygiene best practices are improved, including in public health emergencies of international concern, thus abetting fights against contagions.

In support of community mitigation strategies, the mine also embarked on a comprehensive hand hygiene information sharing campaign by dispensing educational material, social media tutorials and other documents targeting employees and host communities. The information drive is also channelled through local newspapers. The Northern Cape is to date the province with the lowest prevalence of COVID-19, but PMG Mining is monitoring the situation and intends to scale up its programme depending on the evolving of the local situation. Its continued involvement would also factor in existing response packages from other stakeholders and would be in aid of such.

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FROM THE CEO OF PMG MINING

Dear Communities, Partners, Shareholders, Customers and Employees.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative influence on the whole world, with far reaching repercussions, for all of us. The Republic of South Africa is currently battling the COVID-19 pandemic, with most of the country under lockdown.

First and foremost, we see ourselves as a family; as “brothers and sisters” weathering a rough storm together. Remember, as humanity, we are all connected and together we will conquer this crisis. We wish to reiterate that even in these challenging times PMG Mining (PTY) Ltd, a joint venture company between China and South Africa, will not overlook our social responsibility obligations to its host communities.

Our majority shareholders from China, directors, managers and all employees of PMG views the COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa in a very serious light. We whole-heartedly support all the recommendations made by The Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa. Furthermore, all PMG Mining managers are willing to donate 30% of their salaries to support the fight. The company has already donated hand sanitisers to local hospitals, police stations, the municipality and communities.

COVID-19 represents a common enemy. We have a common destiny. Social solidarity is our greatest strength. Let us fight this virus and overcome this difficult period together.

Please remember our first line of defence against COVID-19: Stay at home, wash your hands frequently with soap, wear a mask and practice social distancing. We will always be together. PMG Mining will never desert you, we love and support you!

Yours Sincerely

Lin van der Westhuizen