At our Tasiast mine in Mauritania, over 90% of employees are Muslim and celebrate Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar observed with fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
During Ramadan, the team at Tasiast has made several changes to support daylight fasting and mark the end of each fast for employees.
A few examples include modifying shift times to ensure employees who are participating in the fast are not working during high-temperature hours to prioritize health and safety. Tasiast also provides food kits to employees containing high carbohydrate items including rice, dates, pasta, couscous and milk, and offers an option for takeaway meals at the end of each fast.
Additionally, Kinross sponsors employees to attend ‘Hajj,’ the pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. Employees are entered into a draw, and 20 are selected, including two female representatives, to attend Hajj at the end of Ramadan this year.
Aside from contributions made to employees, Kinross Tasiast also supplies communities surrounding the mine with food donations to support their fasting and the celebratory meal to mark the end of Ramadan.
“The Ramadan gift baskets are part of a holistic program created by management to ensure the health, safety and comfort of Tasiast employees and business partners,” said Moctar Salem Ould Lab, former Camp Manager and newly appointed Transport and Accommodation Manager. “The program also seeks to support thousands of families during Ramadan – a time when food prices are significantly higher and our donations much appreciated.”
Learn more about how Kinross is building an inclusive workspace for religious diversity at Tasiast here.
