Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) gave recognition to its employees for their long service to the company during a glittering awards ceremony at Boshoek Lodge on November 20.

Employees were honoured for their 10 and 20 years of continuous service at the mine. They received certificates for their loyalty and dedication to DCM. Among those honoured was David Fourie, who has been with DCM since the mine’s inception in 2000.

It was an afternoon of catching up with colleagues and friends, and sharing good memories with staff. Staff honoured for 10 years service received blazers. Five employees were recognised for 20 years of service and received the coveted royal blue blazer.

The event was attended by mine management, led by general manager Dewet Pretorius. Representatives of Assore and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) were also present at the ceremony.

“We celebrate employees who dedicated 10 and 20 years to DCM. Reaching these milestones at a company means loyalty, resilience and commitment. It means lots of time at the mine – early mornings, late shifts, challenges and successes. The people we honour today are not ordinary people; their achievements require character, grit and a good attitude,” said Pretorius.

“Your experience is invaluable to the mine. Most of you have spotted hazards and prevented them from happening. Your consistency and reliability has enabled us to be stable. We appreciate your experience and in-depth knowledge of mining. You know of the bad and good decisions we made in the past. We wish to keep you for generations to come, we hope you stay with us till old age. We appreciate you, thank you for your loyalty and professionalism and for sticking with Dwarsrivier.”

Henk Gouws, Assore’s Executive SA Operations, said the DCM has made magnificent progress in the past years.

“We are privileged to be spending the night with you. Achieving 10 and 20 years is something special and remarkable. What is special is the passion, perseverance and the legacy, and how recipients talk about Dwarsrivier. 2025 is a special year for Assore, not only is DCM turning 25 years but Assore has also turned 75.” As he congratulated the long-service awards recipients, Gouws reiterated that Assore values long-term relationships.

“During the trying moments, keep instructing and guiding the young miners. You have been there; you have seen the bad times; you persevered. For that, I want to thank you.”

NUM’s leadership at DCM thanked the mine for honouring the recipients in a special and magnificent manner. Matiki Setagane, representing the recipients, thanked the company for taking care of its employees since its inception.

The event was filled with entertainment – Priscilla Metsi, Stix Dumisa and the Fire and Ice group offered performed for the guests.