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Zero harm is possible
Exxaro’s safety performance earned industry-wide recognition at the 2026 Coal Safe Awards.
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Exxaro was recognised across multiple categories at the 2026 Coal Safe Awards, reflecting a safety culture that has delivered 44 consecutive months without a fatality and the lowest Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) in the our history.
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- August 2026
Exxaro’s commitment to Zero Harm was recognised at the 2026 Coal Safe Awards, with multiple operations and the Group receiving awards for Outstanding Safety and Environmental Performance. Held under the theme “One Voice, One Sustainable Industry, One Sustainable Future”, the awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, government and mining professionals to advance a safer, more sustainable mining sector.
Our CEO, Ben Magara, continued the conversation in his keynote address, reflecting on leadership, resilience and the future of the coal industry. Drawing on more than two decades of involvement with Coal Safe, he reminded delegates that “When safety is not right, nothing else is right.”
The recognition that followed reflected strong performance across several areas. At Group level, Exxaro received the Fatality Free Business Award for organisations with 10 000 or more employees.
Across our operations, six teams were recognised for achieving more than 10 000 fatality free production shifts: Grootegeluk Complex with 12 956 shifts, Matla Mine 3 with 13 419, Mafube Coal with 15 174, Matla Mine 1 with 21 023, Matla Plant Central Engineering Workshops and Central Others with 26 461, and Leeuwpan with 34 560.
Mafube Coal, Belfast Coal and Grootegeluk Complex were also recognised for achieving zero lost time injuries across their operations. Mafube earned second place in the Transport and Machinery Award category, while Matla Coal achieved 99% compliance in the Environmental Management category.
Together, these achievements reflect the commitment and discipline across our operations as we continue strengthening a consistent safety culture through One Voice, One Exxaro and our belief that Zero Harm is possible.
The event also highlighted the industry’s commitment to creating impact beyond mining through the Coal for Hope initiative. Exxaro contributed R1.8 million towards community upliftment projects, raising more than R3.3 million for initiatives that will create lasting value in mining communities.
Why this matters: Safety is built through thousands of decisions made every day. Every conversation, every procedure followed and every person who chooses to look out for a colleague helps make Zero Harm possible. The Coal Safe Awards are a reminder that safety isn’t simply measured by awards, it’s measured by the people who go home safely every day.
“Every injury underground affects a family above ground.”
Mangaliso Sethethi, SACMA President and General Manager, Matla Mine
