Coal miner, Thungela, recently hosted delegates for a workshop organised by the United Nations University (UNU-FLORES) at the Kromdraai site. The workshop, a partnership between the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) and the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa (LaRSSA), focused on Post-Mining Landscape Restoration. It provided a critical platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to witness Thungela’s transformative approach to mine closure.
“The closure of a mine is not the end of our journey; it’s the beginning of our commitment to create landscapes that are safe, stable, and capable of sustaining future generations. At Thungela, we see mine closure as a powerful opportunity to drive positive environmental renewal,” says Johan van Schalkwyk, Thungela’s chief operating officer.
The site visit demonstrated how Thungela has turned previously mined land into safe, stable, and functional ecosystems, setting a new standard in responsible environmental stewardship. Thungela’s approach prioritises long-term environmental recovery, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use. During the site visit, delegates, including representatives from the UN, G20, African and South African government departments, universities, and industry leaders, witnessed how Thungela is turning mine closure into an opportunity for environmental renewal through initiatives such as:
- Rebuilding natural ecosystems – reintroducing native vegetation and improving soil conditions to create a landscape that supports plant and animal life long after mining operations have ceased.
- Improving water systems – implementing strategies to restore wetlands and enhance water quality, ensuring that nearby communities and natural habitats benefit from cleaner, healthier water sources.
- Repurposing land for economic benefit – exploring opportunities to use rehabilitated land for agriculture, conservation, and community-driven projects, ensuring that former mining sites continue to provide value.
- Applying advanced rehabilitation techniques – using the latest technologies, drone monitoring, data-driven soil restoration, and innovative land-use planning- accelerates the rehabilitation process and maximises long-term impact.
Thungela’s Commitment to Responsible Mine Closure
Thungela’s rehabilitation strategy goes beyond standard regulatory compliance to deliver tangible environmental benefits through innovative projects such as:
- The Kromdraai Water Management Project: A flagship initiative supported by an R380 million investment to restore natural water systems and improve water quality for surrounding communities.
- The Dongalock™ System: A passive water treatment technology developed to enhance water quality and support ecosystem recovery.
- The One Million Trees Project: A large-scale biodiversity conservation effort focused on reforesting rehabilitated areas with indigenous vegetation to restore natural habitats.
“Our approach to mine closure is grounded in a deep commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. We continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in post-mining landscape restoration, ensuring that our practices align with global standards and contribute meaningfully to ecosystem recovery and community resilience,” added Johan van Schalkwyk. UN University’s Dr Alexey Alekseenko said that Thungela stood out for its exceptional professionalism in coal mining and land management, which made it an ideal case study to learn best practices in post-mining restoration.
