The Council for Geoscience (CGS) and Thungela Resources recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering a strategic partnership to drive Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) research and advance geoscientific initiatives related to climate change mitigation.
This collaboration follows the recent launch of a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) plant in Mpumalanga by Minister Gwede Mantashe and the CGS, which has been hailed as a significant step toward achieving South Africa’s climate goals. The partnership between CGS and Thungela Resources further underscores the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in addressing the urgent need for climate solutions.
Mosa Mabuza, CEO of the CGS, highlighted the importance of this new partnership, saying: “Less than two weeks ago, Minister Mantashe called for stronger public-private partnerships to help South Africa meet its climate commitments. Today’s signing represents a collaborative effort to drive research, development, and implementation of geoscientific programs. The Council for Geoscience is excited about this development, which brings together the expertise and resources necessary to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: carbon emissions.”
The MOU formalises a strategic partnership between CGS and Thungela, focused on the development and implementation of CCUS technologies. The collaboration aims to support climate change mitigation efforts, enhance environmental research, and deliver innovative solutions that also promote socio-economic development.
The MOU marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment of both CGS and Thungela to drive scientific innovation and sustainable resource management. Through this partnership, the two organisations will collaborate on critical activities, including geological mapping, climate change research, and groundwater modelling. The goal is to produce impactful research and practical solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges.
“By combining our expertise, CGS and Thungela are setting the stage for significant advancements in carbon capture and sustainable resource management,” said Mosa Mabuza.
“This partnership reflects our joint dedication to addressing climate challenges and promoting scientific progress that benefits South Africa and beyond.”
July Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of Thungela Resources, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in the context of global climate goals. He said, “As a coal producer and exporter, we recognise the need to adapt and mitigate emissions from the burning of coal. This MOU demonstrates our commitment to being active participants in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. By working with the CGS, we are investing in geoscience-based solutions that support national priorities and international climate agreements, including South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.”
The partnership aims to institutionalise the collaboration between CGS and Thungela to effectively implement CCUS and other geoscience-related projects. With a focus on equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, the MOU will help strengthen the implementation of CCUS technologies and promote research and development that benefits both parties.
In addition to advancing climate and environmental research, the partnership between CGS and Thungela will focus on capacity building through education and training initiatives. These programs will help develop a pool of skilled professionals in the energy sector, equipped to meet future challenges and contribute to South Africa’s climate goals.
