Despite the economic turbulence and significant challenges associated with operating in the African mining sector, the Omega Risk Solutions has experienced exceptional growth in the mining security segment.
The following overview illustrates Omega’s competence of providing integrated security solutions in the mining sector:
ANGOLA –
Catoca Diamond Mine. The mine is the fourth largest diamond producing mine in the world. Omega has been the preferred security service provider for the Catoca mine for many years. At the entrance to the mine, visitors and employees undergo a rigorous security screening process that includes metal detectors and x-ray machines. The perimeter of the mine is secured by a fence and guarded by armed security personnel. The mine also has a state-of-the-art surveillance system that includes CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and infrared cameras. These cameras are strategically placed throughout the mine to monitor activity and detect any suspicious behaviour.
Lulo Diamond Project. Omega have been providing security services to Projecto Lulo since 1 July 2017. The focus of the service is base camp protection, drill site and equipment protection, product escort services as well as continuous patrolling of the area to clear the concession of illegal diamond miners. Strict access controls are applied, extensive surveillance systems are in place, and guards patrol the mine and surrounding areas. The Lulo Diamond Project implemented the use of technology to monitor the mine and surrounding areas. This includes CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and drones, which are used to detect and track any suspicious activity. The mine also has a command centre that is staffed 24/7 to monitor the surveillance systems and respond to any potential threats.
MOZAMBIQUE –
Vale Coal Mine. The mine is one of the largest coal mines in the country. Vale Coal Mine is located in Tete Province, which has a history of political violence and armed conflicts, including attacks by extremist groups. Therefore, the mine has implemented robust security arrangements to ensure the safety of its employees and assets. In 2011 when the contract was awarded to Arkhê Risk Solutions it was one of the largest contracts with 455 men.
Rio Tinto Coal Mining. The mine is one of the largest coal mines in the country. The Riversdale Mine has faced significant security challenges over the years. The region where the mine is located has been plagued by armed conflict, banditry, and terrorism. The security situation in the area has been volatile, with frequent attacks on mining companies, infrastructure, and workers. The hard work of the Arkhê staff in Tete, the professional way in which we conducted our contracted services in the Tete province and the support and leadership from the Arkhê HQ in Maputo ensured huge successes for the company. Arkhê was grown in Tete by adding sub-contractors of Rio Tinto to the list of contracts with close to 400 security officers during the peak of the Rio Tinto operations.
Montepuez Ruby Mine. The company has deployed a comprehensive security system that includes round-the-clock monitoring, CCTV cameras, and trained security personnel. Access to the mine is strictly controlled, and all visitors are thoroughly screened before entry. The mine covers a surface area of approximately 33,600 hectares. The Arkhê guard force deployed to MRM at that time was approximately 465 men strong including management, supervision, security officers as well as the more specialized K-9 and armed security officer units and teams. Arkhê’s primary responsibility was to provide security services to safeguard the main mining pits, stockyards and other installations. The guard force was employed in both the industrial and area protection role, something not normally done by contracted security but rather entrusted to internal security apparatus on mines. Arkhê regularly conducted area operations where all available manpower and force multipliers were utilized to ensure optimum application and utilization of manpower, material and dogs to the advantage of the client.
NAMIBIA –
HUSAB (Swakop Uranium). The HUSAB Mine, also known as the Swakop Uranium Mine, is located in the Namib Desert. It is one of the largest uranium mines in the world, and its production plays a significant role in meeting global demand for nuclear energy. Omega was awarded the security contract in August 2014 and rendered services until August 2017. One of Omega’s primary security measures at the HUSAB Mine was the use of access controls. All employees, contractors, and visitors must undergo a rigorous screening process before entering the site. This includes identity verification, background checks and vehicle inspections. The mine also has a sophisticated security camera system that monitors all activities on the site.
SOUTH AFRICA –
Glencore Coal (SA Operations). The mine produces high-quality thermal coal. As with any large-scale mining operation, security is a major concern, both to protect the mine’s assets and the safety of its employees. To address these concerns, Glencore has implemented a comprehensive security system that includes both physical and technological measures. The physical security measures include the presence of security guards, regular patrols of the mine perimeter, and access control measures, such as electronic gates and security checkpoints. The security personnel are trained to handle emergency situations and have the necessary equipment to respond to any threats quickly. Omega started with the security contract, (guarding) on 01 February 2005, (then Xstrata plc) and we are still rendering this service after 18 successful years. Although the “Glencore Coal’s security strategy” remains to divide the security operations between different companies, (Omega is responsible for guarding, access control & vehicle/foot patrols) another company is responsible for reaction and response and another company responsible for the control room.
De Beers. From 2010 Omega rendered a service to the De Beers Family of Companies with a project to assist De Beers to lead and implement its new security strategy based on the hybrid model of the De Beers in-house security enhanced by contracted security specialists. Omega did a complete Business Process Re-engineering of the De Beers operations in Botswana, Finsch Mine, Voorspoed Mine, Venetia Mine and Kimberley Mines which included a variety of aspects:
- Day to day security management of the mines, comprehensive security surveys, formulation & implementation of a combination of several security measures to mitigate risks and to contain crime, identification of threats and criminal forces.
- Continually assessed security and production operational practices at all areas for inefficiencies/ possible improvement opportunities and recommendations to enhance value delivery. All human interventions were reviewed into high concentrate diamond processes due to spillages, chokes, etc. and minimise the requirements for people to operate in high-risk areas.
- Educated personnel assigned to high-risk areas on the procedures and how issues of coercion and collusion can impact upon them and what to do if approached or threatened. Developed and maintained internal and external networks and contacts local communities for information gathering to ensure an effective investigation process and optimal asset protection.
- Investigated general crime offences in accordance with policies and procedures with a view to securing convictions and establishes suspect profiles.
- Introduced and maintained intelligence systems to act pro-actively.
The original project period was for three months, but due to Omega’s successes, this project was extended to end 2014. Omega was then awarded an additional security contract at De Beers Voorspoed mine to provide Security High Risk Leads, security process experts & Security Surveillance Staff until after closure of the mine and the contract ended on 31 January 2020.
Zambia –
Bwana Mkbuwa Mine. The mine is a copper mine located in Ndola. The mine is owned and operated by a subsidiary of the Canadian mining company, First Quantum Minerals. The contract Bwana Mkubwa Mine (under First Quantum) was awarded to Omega in June 2012. The contract was quite challenging being 400km away from the home base in Lusaka. Only three days after the contract started, a arrest was made of suspects who were breaking copper ore at the decant area. This mine was in a closing down process and First Quantum sold the mine and plant to Jubilee Metals Group that transformed the plant to a crusher plant for copper ore.
Universal Mining&Chemicals Industries (Nampundwe Mine). The mine at Nampundwe mine (75 km west of Lusaka) is an iron ore mine that started on 1 July 2017. The ore is transported to Kafue Smelter Plant that also belongs to Universal Mining & Chemicals Industry in Kafue. They have started constructing a Lime plant on the same site. Omega is still the preferred service provider.
Kalumbila Mine. Kalumbila Mine is a copper and cobalt mine located in the North-Western Province. The mine is owned and operated by First Quantum Minerals, a Canadian mining company. Omega started rendering services at the Kalumbila mine contract on 1 September 2012. In May 2017 the operational contract with Kalumbila Minerals was signed. Omega’s involvement in the operation consists of managing the Kalumbila Mine reception at the main gate, access control to various entry points to the mine as well as CCTV operators and physical patrolling the mine premises. The contract is ongoing.