KEY POINTS
- Kumba is the first company in the industry to offer maternity PPE.
- The program includes hampers and places to breastfeed.
- The initiative symbolizes a change in mining culture.
Kumba Iron Ore, Anglo American’s iron ore unit, has broken new ground by becoming the first mining company to roll out a dedicated maternity personal protective equipment (PPE) programme, in a move that could reshape workplace inclusion across the industry.
The initiative, launched ahead of Women’s Month, introduces custom-designed maternity PPE, hampers for new mothers and breastfeeding facilities at all Kumba sites. The programme addresses a long-standing gap in mining, where standard safety gear failed to meet the needs of pregnant employees.
Kumba Iron Ore maternity PPE redefines safety
“This shifts the needle in our industry by recognising that motherhood is a vital and supported part of our workforce’s journey,” said Dr. Pranill Ramchander, Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at Kumba Iron Ore. “We’re moving beyond basic legislative compliance to create an environment where women can bring their wholeselves to work.”
Moreover the initiative was developed by the company’s Women in Mining (WiM) committee, led by Kutlwano Takadi. Its design includes safety-compliant two-tone Velcro maternity shirts and jeans tailored for pregnant miners, alongside lactation facilities for returning mothers.
Women miners have a history in the industry
Kumba’s maternity PPE program is a real step toward its larger aims of diversity and inclusiveness. The company is also changing the way people think about pregnancy at work by addressing the specific problems that women miners confront.
“WiM serves as a catalyst group that advocates for women at Kumba, to progress women’s inclusion and also empowerment agenda,” added Ramchander.
Building a culture of belonging at Kumba Iron Ore
The programme underscores the company’s recognition that inclusion drives performance. “When employees feel a sense of belonging, security and acceptance, they perform at their best,” Ramchander said.
Kumba’s maternity PPE launch sets an industry precedent — proving mining firms can uphold safety and performance while embracing diversity. In conclusion the company says the initiative will be sustained and expanded for future employees, embedding it permanently within its inclusive workplace strategy.
