Kemek recently attended the SAFEX XXI Congress in Lisbon, one of the most established international forums dedicated to process safety, risk management, and operational excellence in high‑hazard industries. The Congress brings together professionals from across the explosives, mining, manufacturing, and related sectors to exchange knowledge, review incidents, and share practical experience aimed at reducing risk and improving safety performance.
A central focus of the Congress was the importance of learning from incidents and near‑misses to prevent future events. Sessions explored topics such as management of change, human behaviour, maintenance and decontamination practices, transport safety, and emergency response, highlighting how small deviations or unmanaged changes can escalate into major accident events. The programme reinforced the value of structured risk assessment, consistent implementation of controls, and strong leadership in maintaining safe operations across complex industrial environments.
The role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in supporting safety outcomes was also a recurring theme. Presentations examined how digital tools, data systems, and AI can help preserve corporate memory, support real‑time monitoring, and improve decision‑making in safety‑critical processes. These approaches are increasingly important in industries where experience, procedural knowledge, and early warning signals play a key role in preventing incidents and ensuring long‑term operational resilience.
From a sustainability perspective, the Congress clearly demonstrated that safety and environmental performance are closely linked. Preventing major accident events not only protects people but also avoids uncontrolled releases, material losses, unplanned emissions, waste generation, and damage to surrounding environments. Discussions on safer transport of hazardous materials, improved process control, and proactive risk management all contribute to more sustainable operations over the full lifecycle of industrial activities.
Attendance at SAFEX supports Kemek’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, responsible operations, and alignment with international best practice. Insights gained from the Congress will inform Kemek’s approach to strengthening safety systems, managing risk effectively, and supporting sustainable industrial development through informed decision‑making and collaborative learning.
