Sandfire Resources Ltd, Nominee for Established ESG Leader for a Resources Producer, 2024 Africa Awards

About the Nominee & their Nomination

Sandfire is a copper-focused company listed on the ASX and is transforming into a global copper producer of significance. With a demonstrated commitment to the highest safety standards, the company mines copper sustainably to energise the future.

With modern processing hubs in two highly prospective copper belts, attractive development options, and exciting exploration prospects, Sandfire is well placed to support the green energy transition. We undertake near-mine exploration programs in Botswana and Spain, and regional exploration within Botswana, Namibia, Spain, Portugal and the USA. Our producing projects are:  

• Motheo Copper Mine – T3 and A4 Open Pit Mines located in the central portion of the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana. 
• MATSA Spain – A substantial polymetallic mining operation comprising a central processing facility that sources ore from three underground mines, Aguas Teñidas and Magdalena in Almonaster la Real and Sotiel in Calañas. 

Above: Launch of the women horticulture project

Initiative: Gender Based Violence Community Program

Sexual, physical and emotional violence against women in Southern African countries remains a significant concern. An average of 17% of girls and women experience forced sex in their lifetime and an alarming 80% of children experience violent discipline in their home (UNICEF). 

Female employment in our direct workforce in Botswana is 24%, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 9% in the region. At Motheo, our Gender Based Violence (GBV) Policy aims to create a respectful workplace and break down the societal and structural barriers to women entering and remaining in the workforce. The empowerment of women forms part of the four pillars within our Motheo Community Framework. 

As part of our commitment to creating a respectful workplace and driving social change, at Motheo we have introduced a zero tolerance GBV Policy to support female employees in our workplace. We also have a Sexual Harassment Policy. All employees and major contractors must meet the requirements of the GBV Policy. Training on the requirements of the Policy is provided through inductions and refresher sessions. 

Our GBV Community Program shows leadership under the social elements of our Community and People Pillars, specifically human rights, labour practices, safety, health, community and diversity. 

Above: GBV walk

Highlights

Where possible, Sandfire upholds existing social initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and its supporting councils, agencies and resources through partnerships and collaboration. 

1. Survivor Economic Empowerment (SEE) Initiative Women’s Garden Project: Supports survivors of GBV by providing training and a venue to grow horticultural products and enjoy collegial support in a safe space. SEE offers survivors new streams of income through the sale of vegetables, as well as for use the harvest in their households. With restrictions on fresh vegetable imports to Botswana, there is strong local demand for SEE produced spinach, onions, tomatoes, carrots and green peppers. 15 women from our local community will benefit from this two year SEE program. To date, nine participants have received training through the programme. 
2. Sandfire supports the UN’s 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender Based Violence: Our team at Motheo commemorated the UN 16 Days of activism against Gender Based Violence, through a local community movement and was aimed at generating community discussion and understanding around GBV, how individuals can support ending GBV and the resources available to those within the community. The initiative was organised by Sandfire in collaboration with One Track Engineering and the Botswana Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre.
3. Sponsorship and participation towards Men’s Sector tournament: The tournament catered to the male community and Motheo male employees, offering complimentary HIV testing, along with discussions addressing GBV concerns. The open dialogues on GBV fostered a sense of understanding among the men and encouraged them to become advocates for change within their own communities. 
4. Walk Against GBV: Our team at Motheo in partnership with their business partners, the community and Government stakeholders walked against GBV as a response to an increase in numbers of reported GBV cases. The interactive seminar session offered participants practical tools and strategies to recognise, prevent, and address GBV in their own communities. 
5. Ghanzi Community Building Campaign: We sponsored and participated in an 18-day campaign dedicated to tackling prevalent social issues within the community, notably the rise in GBV, suicide rates, substance abuse, and single parent households. Attendees were provided with practical advice and solutions through workshops and seminars. Support groups were formed to ensure ongoing assistance and encouragement beyond the campaign’s duration.