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A summary of our performance in investing in the environment
Highlights
- We are integrating environmental considerations into our long-term planning.
- We have commenced with the implementation of our SO2 reduction strategy and fugitive emissions management plans.
- We are developing a real-time water balance system to measure and monitor water flows throughout the Company.
- We have reduced our total fresh water intake, per unit of production, by 25.1% compared to the 2007 baseline.
- We have increased recycling and reduced the amount of waste going to landfill.
- A Biodiversity Action Plan has been compiled for the Marikana operations.
- We are conducting a trial for the co-deposition of calcium sulphite (a waste product from our smelting operations) with tailings for deposition onto Karee Tailings Dam Number three.
- We have successfully rehabilitated the tailings storage facility at our Baobab Shaft in the Limpopo Province.
- All business units within the Company are ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certificated.
- The integrity in the operations to identify and report environmental incidents have increased.
Challenges
- Inability to secure electricity supply for our current operations and for the planned expansions in line with our Life of Business Plan.
- Inability to secure an adequate supply of water to sustain and expand our operations.
- Loss of sustainable fresh water for our operations and communities due to deterioration of surface and ground water quality.
- Possible withdrawal of our licence to operate if we fail to meet the legislative requirements of SO2 emissions.
- There were 23 "Level Three" environmental incidents during the year.
- The volumes of general and hazardous waste generation and disposal to landfill are of concern.
- Promoting awareness of energy efficiency.
Focus in 2011
- Opportunities exist in preventing the generation of CaSO3 waste, the reuse of the CaSO3 waste in the dams and the treatment of PMR effluent waste, with the potential of recycling in recoveries.
- Finalise an integrated Environmental Strategy, operating model and agreements with business units to align the environmental objectives with targets to be achieved.
- Update and alignment of our existing approved Environmental Management Programmes (EMPs) with the newly promulgated legislation and to integrate the closure planning for our operations with the EMPs.
- Align with the new requirements of the National Environmental Management Waste Act 2008.
- Continuation of our processes to convert our existing Registration Certificates at Marikana and PMR to Air Quality Emission Licences in terms of the NEMAQA requirements.
- Finalise a dynamic water balance for Western Platinum and Eastern Platinum as part of the integrated water balance.
- We have begun the implementation of a biodiversity strategy, including action plans, risk assessments and are working towards long-term objectives.
- To successfully develop a workable Climate Change Strategy.
Our management approach
Our approach to environmental management is founded on international environmental best practice and compliance with legislative and other requirements. Management of our environmental aspects and risks on corporate, group and operational level is underpinned by our Safety and Sustainable Development Policy and supported by strategies, plans, targets, standards and guidelines.
Accountability for environmental management resides with the Board of Directors and our CEO. They are supported by the Environmental Department, which provides the environmental strategic direction, alignment with requirements, Company policy, minimum standards and guidelines and audits the implementation of these requirements whilst line management remains accountable for ensuring effective implementation of these requirements through management systems.
We understand the importance of forming partnerships and collaborating with government, peers and other stakeholders to achieve shared benefits and manage shared risks. We engage in partnerships, share learning experiences and contribute to policy development at both a national and international level.
The Company is a member of the South African Chamber of Mine’s Environmental Policy Committee and specific working groups and government committees, focusing on the development of policy and legislation, the Steering Committee for the Centre of Sustainability at the University of the Witwatersrand focusing on environmental training of regulators, and of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) working groups on Climate Change, Water, Materials Stewardship and Biodiversity.
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