Andrada responds to Namibian newspaper

1. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has ordered Uis mine Mining to remove explosives and rehabilitate an area that had been blasted just 500 metres from a residential area. What actions has Uis mine Mining taken to comply with this order, and how do you plan to mitigate any future risks to the community?

Firstly, we would like to confirm that the mining licence ML129 referred to is no longer part of the Company’s portfolio. The licence is now owned by the Small Miners of Uis. During its ownership, Andrada adhered to all governmental and mining legislation, without exception.

Andrada Mining operates in strict compliance with the Namibian Explosives Act of 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956) and all relevant permits governing the use, storage, transport, and handling of explosives. The company prioritizes safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices in all its operations to ensure the well-being of the communities in which we operate.

Regarding the area in question, government approval for blasting activities had initially been obtained. However, this approval was subsequently withdrawn before any blasting or related works were carried out. As a result, no blasting occurred within 500 metres of any residential area, and the claim suggesting otherwise is incorrect.

To mitigate any future risks to the community, Andrada Mining remains committed to maintaining open communication with stakeholders, adhering to all regulatory requirements, and implementing robust safety and environmental management practices.

2)        Morris Seibeb, spokesperson for the Small-Scale Miners of Uis Union, claims that workers at the mine are being exposed to harmful dust, which is causing health issues such as tuberculosis (TB) and asthma. How do you respond to these concerns, and what steps are being taken to protect workers from dust exposure?

The health and safety of our workers and the surrounding community stands as our highest priority at Uis. To fully address these concerns, we’ll explain our comprehensive approach to safety and environmental protection, with particular attention to dust management and worker protection, which is an inherent challenge in mining operations worldwide. Understanding Uis’s unique environmental context proves crucial. Our operations exist in a desert climate where strong prevailing winds naturally generate elevated background dust levels, even without any mining activity. This challenging environment has led us to implement particularly stringent monitoring and control measures.

For occupational health specifically, we maintain a robust monitoring and protection program overseen by independent experts. We have appointed a medic as our independent occupational health practitioner to oversee worker health, while J. Cornelissen from National Environmental Health Consultants conducts quarterly occupational hygiene assessments. These independent experts ensure our workers receive the highest standard of health protection and monitoring. All employees undergo regular medical examinations to monitor their health and identify any potential issues early.

To protect our workers, we have implemented comprehensive control measures including:

• Advanced dust suppression systems throughout the site to reduce airborne dust levels.
  • Trailing haul road dust suppression.
  • Mandatory respiratory protection equipment, including dust masks and respirators.
  • Regular medical screenings and health surveillance.
  • Continuous workplace monitoring with immediate response protocols for elevated readings.

Regular air quality monitoring is conducted on-site to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards. To date, the results of this ongoing monitoring have indicated dust levels remain within permissible exposure limits set by standards.

Regarding the specific claims about tuberculosis and asthma, our occupational health program’s regular health surveillance shows no correlation between our operations and these conditions. Nevertheless, we take all health concerns seriously and encourage workers to report any health issues through our occupational health system for proper medical evaluation and care.

Our operation has been running for five years, providing employment for Namibians (99% of our workforce) and contributing significantly to local economic development. While the Small- Scale Miners of Uis Union is unknown to us, we maintain open channels of communication with all stakeholders and welcome constructive dialogue about health and safety matters. To mitigate any future risks to the community, we remain committed to maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders, adhering to all regulatory requirements, and implementing robust safety and environmental management practices. We encourage any concerned parties to engage with us directly through our established channels, where we can address specific concerns with the support of our medical and occupational hygiene experts.

Andrada Mining remains committed to continuously improving our health and safety practices and working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure the well-being of our employees. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our workforce while maintaining open dialogue with all stakeholders to address any concerns that may arise.

3)    Seibeb also requested that the mine be relocated far from the community due to the health risks posed by dust exposure. What is Uis mine Mining’s stance on this request? Have you considered relocating the mine or implementing alternative solutions to address the concerns of the community?

The location of a mine is determined by the underlying geology and the presence of ore bodies, which are fixed and cannot be relocated. As such, moving the mine is not a feasible option and is beyond the company’s control. It is important to note that the town of Uis was established because of the mine, and like many mining communities around the world, the town and the mine are closely interconnected, often relying on each other for economic and social sustainability.

However, the location of our operations plays a significant role in minimising community impact. Our active mining zone sits more than 2.7 kilometres from residential areas in Upper town and 2.1km from Lower Town, significantly exceeding safety requirements.

Regarding blasting activities our environmental monitoring data demonstrates sustained compliance throughout our operation. Our monitoring stations in residential areas recorded measurements between 38 and 288 mg/m²/day during the first quarter of 2024. The trend continues to be positive through the middle of the year, with May and June readings consistently below 250 mg/m²/day. Our most recent data from September 2024 shows residential area readings ranging from 94 to 184 mg/m²/day – representing only 15-30% of the allowable threshold of 600 mg/m²/day.

Andrada Mining remains deeply committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the surrounding community. Dust control is a core focus for the company, and we continuously implement and improve measures to address this challenge. Recent efforts include:

• Significant capital investments with major upgrades to its plant infrastructure to reduce dust emissions at the source.
  • Implementing water-conscious dust suppression options. Considering the ongoing drought, the company has prioritised dust suppression methods that are both effective and mindful of water conservation.

Andrada actively seeks innovative solutions to further enhance dust control in the rapidly evolving mining environment. Importantly, the unbiased and detailed reports prepared by ECC consistently confirm that Uis mine’s operational dust emissions remain well within acceptable safety parameters, providing robust, objective verification of Andrada’s environmental performance.

We remain committed to working closely with the community and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Andrada will continue to invest in infrastructure and technology to mitigate dust exposure and protect the health and well-being of both our employees and the surrounding community.

4)      A report has been cited confirming that dust-related health concerns within the community of Uis are not mining-related. Can you provide a copy of this report for review, and elaborate on its findings?

The Company is not aware of this report and therefore cannot provide a copy.

5)  McDonald Gawaseb, a community activist, has raised concerns about the cracks in homes caused by blasting activities at the mine. How does Uis mine Mining address the allegations that blasting is damaging nearby homes, and what steps have been taken to investigate or remedy these claims?

Mining at Uis started in the 1960’s with most of the town houses being built during that era. Buildings in the mining precinct that could be considered most vulnerable in terms of blasting have not developed any cracks or damages since construction.

Andrada Mining takes all concerns regarding its operations very seriously and is committed to ensuring that its activities are conducted safely and responsibly. The claim that blasting activities are causing cracks in nearby homes is not new to the company and has been thoroughly investigated in collaboration with the concerned parties.

To address these concerns, Andrada engaged an independent expert to conduct a detailed study on the potential impacts of blasting on nearby homes and infrastructure. The findings of this study confirmed that Andrada’s blasting activities are well within internationally accepted standards for ground vibration and air blasts. Furthermore, the company has implemented robust mitigation and management measures, including:

• Blasting exclusion zone, a 700m exclusion zone is maintained around blasting activities, ensuring that no residential properties fall within this radius.

• Blasting activities are continuously monitored to ensure compliance with international safety standards and to minimise any potential impact on the surrounding area.

Andrada Mining remains committed to maintaining open communication with the local community and relevant stakeholders. We will continue to engage with residents to address their concerns and provide transparent updates on our operations. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains a top priority for the company.

6)   Alexia Gauses (48), a resident of Uis, has expressed fear for her life due to the blasting from Uis mine Mining. Can you respond to her concerns and provide details on how Uis mine Mining is ensuring the safety of residents living near the mine?

Andrada Mining understands and takes seriously the concerns expressed by Ms. Alexia Gauses and other residents regarding blasting activities. The safety and well-being of the community remain our top priority, and we are committed to operating in a manner that minimises any potential risks or disruptions.

To ensure the safety of residents living near the mine, Andrada adheres to strict international standards for blasting and has implemented the following measures:

• Blasting exclusion zone – No blasting occurs within a 700m radius of any residential properties, ensuring a safe distance between operations and the community.
• Advance notifications – Residents in nearby communities are provided with at least 24 hours’ notice prior to any blasting activity to minimize disruption and allow for preparation.
• Proven safety record – Andrada has been operating at the site for five years without any known incidents of damage to properties or harm to community members, including those located closer to the mine than the residential areas.

We remain committed to maintaining open communication with the community and addressing any concerns that arise. Andrada will continue to monitor and review its operations to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld, and we encourage residents to reach out to us directly with any questions or feedback.

As previously stated, there is no blasting within a 700m radius of residential properties. Operations have been ongoing at site for five years without any damage to residential properties as confirmed by an independent expert report of our blasting readings

7)    Ms. Maoth Areses, a former employee of Uis Tin Mining Company, has stated that she developed severe asthma, chest pains, and shortness of breath as a result of working in conditions at Uis mine Mining. What measures has Uis mine Mining taken to ensure the health and safety of its workers, especially regarding respiratory illnesses like asthma?

Andrada strives to maintain the highest standards of health and safety requirements to ensure the well-being of all employees. Andrada conducted a baseline risk assessment for the mine, completed by an independent third-party occupational hygiene practitioner who developed our monitoring system. The third party also provides additional personal monitoring by placing dust monitoring equipment on individuals working in specific areas, ensuring that the data captured is detailed down to the individual. This is captured on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Andrada continues to utilise an external independent company for dust monitoring alongside our ongoing occupational hygiene monitoring. Results have confirmed that there is no significant dust fall out, or high silica, and that Andrada operates well within the confines of safety as set out by industry standards.

To further ensure employees are always protected, Andrada also provides PPE and respiratory equipment that is a compulsory to all our employees. Uis mine also provides medical inductions, respiratory training and routine medicals, in accordance with occupational hygiene recommendations.

8)  Ms. Maoth Areses also mentioned that she resigned due to the working conditions at Uis mine Mine. Can you comment on her experience and explain what steps Uis mine Mining is taking to improve health and safety conditions for its employees?

Uis mine will not reveal personal information about Ms. Areses but can confirm that the Company provided Ms. Areses with occupational pathway options. The Company addressed the situation with a collaborative approach and flexibility and remained accommodating to the medical needs of Ms. Areses, including provision of specialist medical attention.

At Uis mine, the health and well-being of our employees is of upmost importance. We contribute to employee health care, and ensure individuals are well taken care of, regardless of tenure with the company.

9)      A current employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, has reported excessive coughing and attributed it to dust exposure since starting work at the mine. How does Uis mine Mining address concerns related to respiratory health among employees, and are any protective measures being implemented to reduce dust exposure?

It is worth noting that we have received no such complaint directly or indirectly, through our anonymous HR grievance system. We have transparent reporting systems and policies of all grievances from employees as well as the community. All grievances are independently handled with confidentiality and scrutiny. Therefore, anonymous allegations through requests from the media detract from concerns from employees and community members who make use of the available systems and processes to enable their concerns to be dealt with expediently. Uis has a dedicated office in Upper Town to provide immediate access to the Company. To reiterate, we care deeply about our longer-term impact on the economic, social and environmental fabric of Uis. We encourage employees and community members to actively use existing channels to engage with management at the organisation.

Nonetheless, as stated above following the completion of a baseline risk assessment for the mine, we have developed with the support of an occupational hygiene practitioner, a highly effective dust monitoring system, which includes additional personal monitoring whereby the company provides and places equipment on individuals working in certain areas to monitor dust exposure, thus ensuring monitoring captures detail down to the individual.

Andrada continues to utilise an independent third party for dust monitoring alongside our ongoing occupational hygiene monitoring, which has confirmed that there is no significant dust fall out, or high silica, and that Uis mine operates well within the confines of safety. To further ensure employees are always protected, the Company also provides PPE and respiratory equipment that is a compulsory requirement to all our employees. Andrada also provides medical inductions, respiratory training and routine medicals for all employees in accordance with occupational hygiene  recommendations.

Historically, if individuals have raised health concerns, Uis mine has been committed to ensuring they receive specialised medical care, and have been flexible and cooperative, working on an individual basis to determine suitable roles for individuals should they be limited by personal health problems.

10)    Jimmy Areseb, a community activist, has stated that dust pollution from the mining activities poses a serious health risk for Uis residents. What steps is Uis mine Mining taking to address the dust pollution, and how are you mitigating its impact on the local community’s health?

Please do see the above answers on how Uis mine routinely combats dusts.

11)  Given the serious health concerns raised about dust exposure, what specific dust control measures has Uis mine Mining implemented or plans to implement to reduce dust pollution in Uis?

Please do see the above answers as to the exceptionally low levels of dust that are a result of Andrada’s operations.

12)     How does Uis mine Mining monitor the health and safety of its workers and the surrounding community? Can you provide information on any health assessments or programs in place to track and address health issues potentially linked to dust exposure?

Andrada Mining is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of its workers and the surrounding community through rigorous monitoring and proactive measures.

Dust exposure is monitored by an independent external party to ensure accuracy and compliance with the highest industry standards. Additionally, Andrada conducts annual medical examinations for all employees, providing comprehensive health checks to track and address any potential health concerns.

For the surrounding community, several dust monitoring stations are strategically placed in and around Uis town settlements to measure depositional dust fallout. Over the past year (October 2023 to October 2024), these stations have consistently recorded low dust levels, with none exceeding the residential safety threshold of 600 mg/m²/day. This indicates that dust generated by mining activities is not posing a significant risk to residents.

Andrada remains committed to maintaining these low dust levels and ensuring the health and safety of both employees and the community through continuous monitoring and improvement of our practices.

13)    Can Uis mine Mining provide details on the safety protocols followed during blasting activities at the mine, particularly those close to residential areas? What measures are in place to ensure that blasting does not cause damage to homes or pose a danger to the community?

Andrada Mining prioritises the safety of the community and adheres to strict protocols during blasting activities to ensure no harm or damage occurs. It is important to note that no blasting takes place near residential properties. However, as a precaution, notices are sent out and displayed in various areas around the town to keep residents informed in advance of any blasting activities.

The handling and use of explosives at Andrada are conducted in full compliance with the Namibian Explosives Act 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956). The site operates under a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures and explosive management frameworks to ensure adherence to these rigorous guidelines.

Additionally, Andrada employs third-party reporting and monitoring systems to measure blasting impacts, benchmarking against international safety standards. These measures ensure that blasting activities are conducted safely and responsibly, with no risk to nearby homes or the community.

14)   How does Uis mine Mining respond to the residents’ claims that their homes are being damaged by blasting activities? Has the company conducted any inspections or assessments to evaluate the impact of blasting on the structural integrity of nearby homes?

To reiterate, no blasting takes place close to residential properties. Uis mine remains committed to meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders and is pleased that individuals have utilised Uis mine’s grievance mechanism to raise concerns around blasting. The Company has contacted any individuals who have lodged such grievances and conducted regular visits to houses. Operations have been ongoing at site for five years without any damage to residential properties or members of the community.

15)    Given the ongoing concerns about the safety of the community and the health risks related to dust and blasting, can Uis mine Mining outline the actions the company is taking to engage with the local community and ensure their concerns are adequately addressed?

Andrada Mining maintains a deep commitment to meaningful community engagement in Uis, implementing a robust and multi-faceted approach to ensure open dialogue and collaborative development. Our engagement strategy and grievance system align with International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards and operates through several established channels.

At the heart of our community presence is our dedicated community office, strategically located at the Uis town hall. This office maintains an open-door policy, making our team accessible to all community members at any time. Since January 2024 alone, we have conducted 158 documented community engagements, demonstrating our active presence and commitment to regular dialogue.

We maintain structured engagement through regular meetings with the Settlement Development Council (which is set up to ensure all Uis stakeholders are represented ), working collaboratively to align our operations with community development goals. These meetings serve as a forum to discuss both immediate concerns and long-term development objectives, ensuring our mining activities contribute positively to local growth.

Understanding the importance of accessible reporting channels, we have implemented a grievance mechanism that adheres to IFC international best practices. This system ensures that every community concern receives proper attention and resolution. For those who prefer anonymity, we maintain an independently managed whistleblower system, providing a secure channel for raising sensitive concerns without fear of repercussion.

Our commitment extends beyond just listening – we actively participate in community development initiatives. By working closely with local authorities and community leaders, we have committed 1.4 mill NAD for 2024 (Spent over 1.1. mill to date) to community requests.

Currently, we have several important initiatives in development to further strengthen our community partnership:

• We are finalising a community development agreement which will be circulated for review by the community to show our commitment to growth and development of Uis. This collaborative approach allows us to identify and prioritise projects that address the

most pressing community needs. With future engagement planned to workshop strategic initiative for long term sustainability.

• To better support local economic participation, we are developing a Local Skills Register to connect the Uis workforce with job opportunities at Andrada, alongside a similar Local Business Register for area enterprises. These tools will help ensure residents and businesses can fully participate in the opportunities our operations create.
  • We are also conducting a comprehensive socio-economic survey and ecosystem services assessment of the area. The survey has been completed, and we are currently analyzing the results to identify and address any gaps in our community support programs.
  • Our Funding Model Vehicle initiative is progressing as we review legal requirements for establishing a Corporate Foundation in Namibia. This vehicle will help leverage partnerships and resources for sustainable community development.
  • For education support, we are exploring bursary opportunities for local students and looking at infrastructure enhancements for the Primary and High School. This program aims to build local capacity and create pathways for professional development.

These initiatives complement our existing engagements and demonstrate our commitment to creating lasting positive impact in Uis. We recognize that sustainable development requires long-term planning and investment, and these programs represent our proactive approach to community  development.

Looking to the future, we are actively expanding and enhancing our communication channels with the local community. We recognize that effective communication is the foundation of a strong partnership, which is why we’re developing more detailed communication plans to keep the community fully informed about any developments and progress at the mine. Our goal is to build not just a mine, but a resilient community that grows and prospers alongside our operations.

We view our relationship with the Uis community as a long-term partnership that will span generations. With our projected life of mine, we are committed to ensuring the community remains an integral part of our journey. This isn’t just about maintaining good relations – it’s about building a shared future where the community’s growth and success are intertwined with our own. By fostering this deep connection and mutual understanding, we aim to create lasting positive impact that benefits both current and future generations of Uis residents.

Our commitment to transparency and community involvement reflects our belief that sustainable mining operations must be built on strong community foundations. We continue to welcome feedback and participation from all community members as we work together to create a thriving, resilient Uis for generations to come.

To reiterate, Andrada priorities the safety of the community and adheres to strict protocols during blasting activities to ensure no harm or damage occurs. It is important to note that no blasting takes place near residential properties. However, as a precaution, notices are sent out and displayed in various areas around the town to keep residents informed in advance of any blasting activities.

The handling and use of explosives at Andrada are conducted in full compliance with the Namibian Explosives Act 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956). The site operates under a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures and explosive management frameworks to ensure adherence to these rigorous guidelines.

Additionally, Andrada employs third-party reporting and monitoring systems to measure blasting impacts, benchmarking against international safety standards. These measures ensure that blasting activities are conducted safely and responsibly, with no risk to nearby homes or the community.