Can mining ever be ‘green’? By its very nature, minerals extraction disturbs the natural environment, makes use of a wide range of chemicals in the process and forever changes the composition of the area mined. While mining in South Africa has a history spanning over a hundred years, for the first 60-70 years environmental consciousness was not a priority, In the recent past, however, local miners have been inclined towards a model that is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly, says DRDGOLD’s CEO Niël Pretorius. By Nelendhre Moodley.
South African gold miner, DRDGOLD, a specialist in the recovery of metal from the retreatment of surface tailings, believes that mining is moving towards a circular economy model, which means that operations are gravitating to a net positive contribution to the environment and society; and working with the wider metals supply chain to promote the responsible use and recovery of metals.
DRDGOLD, which transitioned from deep level underground mining to the large-scale retreatment of mine dumps and tailings dams, is rolling back the environmental legacy of mining through strategic focus points that are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Responsible Gold Mining Principles by the World Gold Council.
The JSE-listed entity relocates waste material to an area where it is better contained and then processes the waste material.
According to Pretorius, the scale of the poor legacy of mining in South Africa is extensive. In the Johannesburg area alone, there are more than 800 million tonnes of surface waste.
“For as long as our process involves the storage of waste, I don’t believe we can regard ourselves as a green miner. Although we are not creating new waste, we are also not completely getting rid of the waste – just relocating it. Our storage methodologies, however, do have a better impact on the environment in the long-term when compared to in situ material. Secondly, there is an environmental impact on our operations while we undertake the minerals treatment process, in that mining triggers outcomes, such as acid mine drainage (AMD) and dust.”
Mining relies heavily on the use of chemicals to process minerals, including cyanide which results in the production of AMD. There are, at this point, no solutions to neutralise their impact on the environment other than through containment, explains Pretorius.
As a result, the company has partnered with Wits University in support of research for alternatives to the chemicals currently used in the mining process that would be less harmful to the environment.
“Although, we don’t expect to achieve results in the near-term, we do anticipate that these studies will, in the next 10-15 years, give rise to new technologies and processes which will aid in better minerals processing that will be less harmful to the environment.”
Renewable energy
While the miner is largely reliant on fossil fuel generated power, its recent investment in solar energy will, from early August onwards, see the company unlock 20 MW of solar energy. Second phase development includes the addition of another 40 MW and a battery storage facility.
“In total we will have 60 MW of solar capacity and 140 MW of battery storage with the excess energy being fed back into the grid. We are in talks with Eskom to allow us to feed the solar generated power to our Far West operations,” explains Pretorius.
Using renewable energy will help DRDGOLD reduce its carbon emissions by roughly 154 000 tCO2e
In line with driving its biodiversity agenda, the tailings processing specialist has cladded its tailing storage facilities (TSF) in Johannesburg and Brakpan with natural soil, which has led to the growth of indigenous flora and fauna and a return of wildlife to the area, including, amongst others, jackals, small antelope, and warthog, amongst others, as well as abundant bird life.
“It is impressive that we have been able to trigger the return of biodiversity that is consistent with the natural environment of the area,” enthuses Pretorius.
Reducing water consumption
“Ten years ago, we resolved to reduce potable water use by at least 10% per year. This systematic reduction over time has reduced potable water to below 10% of total water usage, and then typically only where absolutely required, for example, for human consumption and sensitive componentry,” explains Pretorius.
The miner uses a large portion of grey water, treated AMD and water from its tailings facilities for its operations. The company draws a small quantity of water from the natural environment, including streams and containment ponds.
“We have adopted a closed-circuit approach which means that water is recycled and remains in the circuit. In turn, the cost of the water is reduced; this translates to increased profitability and means that both the environment and the business benefit. Essentially, we are less burdensome on the environmental and natural resources, whilst generating higher returns.”
Investing in host communities
By investing in initiatives that improve the environment and the quality of lives of host communities surrounding DRDGOLD’s operations, the miner is contributing towards a more stable society, says Pretorius.
“Businesses need a stable societal environment within which to function. As communities immediately adjacent to our operations are, in many instances, impoverished; by investing in initiatives to improve their quality of life, we are contributing towards a more stable society. However, we are careful not to create a culture of dependency, but rather foster a culture of self-empowerment through enablement.”
DRDGOLD’s initiatives, which include the appointment of teachers for voluntary maths and science classes, contributing to available skills sets for the miner, and broadening horizons for the learners who take advantage of these classes.
Diversifying into other metals
DRDGOLD’s relationship with diversified metals producer, Sibanye-Stillwater, sees the gold producer potentially enter the complementary metals space, which includes PGMs and battery metals.
Aside from offering opportunities to diversify its portfolio, the relationship could add to its cashflow and de-risk the business “as different metals run different cycles”.
“The relationship with Sibanye-Stillwater holds promise for further expansion and similar unlocking of value in terms of non-core surface assets in their portfolio, including the possibility to expand into other minerals, such as PGMs,” concludes Pretorius. §
