Modern Mining February 2021

Anglo contributes up to US$30-million towards vaccine rollout

Anglo American is making available up to US$30-million of support towards the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines across its operational footprint. The nature of the contribution, consisting of cash and in-kind support, will differ by country based on the vaccine deployment models being adopted by, and the needs of, each country. Anglo American’s support is expected to include contributions towards the procure- ment of vaccines by host governments, as well as logistical support and health and other infrastructure required to facilitate the efficient roll-out of vaccines. Mark Cutifani, chief executive of Anglo American, says: “Anglo American has a long history of supporting major public health programmes to help improve the health of our employees and host com- munities, as well as running major health Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) has received an “A” performance score for its 2020 CDP Water Disclosure Project submission – one of only 106 companies globally to have made the CDP’s 2020 water security A-list The A-rating, the second consecu- tive year Implats has achieved this score, places the PGM producer in the leadership band with a select group of companies for achieving best practice in their 2020 dis- closure, awareness and management of water security risk. Implats scored particularly well in eight of the 11 categories measured by CDP, includ- ing its risk assessment, risk exposure and responses, business strategy, governance, its integrated approach to environmental challenges, its targets and goals as well as water-related opportunities. The A-rating is higher than the B aver- age achieved by the metal smelting, refining and forming sector, as well as the Africa regional average of B. The score also puts Implats in the top 15% of companies in the leadership band in terms of disclosure. Commenting on the achievement, Nico Muller, Implats CEO, says: “We worked hard on the management of this precious resource and are pleased this has been recognised by our high ranking relative to the sector and our peers. Our strategy focuses on water consumption and qual-

facilities around our operations over many decades. This is in our DNA as a company – it is how we do business. We must help in any way we can.” In South Africa, Anglo American will support the national COVID-19 vaccine programme – led by the government – by allocating US$10-million (about R150- million) of the company’s global support commitment. The contribution of cash and in-kind support includes the purchase of vaccines via South Africa’s Solidarity Fund as well as logistical support in the form of transportation and storage to help ensure safe and efficient vaccine delivery. The company will also make avail- able its operational health facilities and health professionals – in the regions of the Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga – to help administer vaccines

Mark Cutifani, chief executive of Anglo American.

to its more than 45 000-strong workforce, their families and our host communities. Anglo American will also commit to train- ing community health workers to assist in administering vaccines. 

Implats on CDP’s global A-list for best-practice water management ity management and we have a framework for operation-specific water conservation strategies, in line with our commitment to reduce our levels of potable water used and increase our use of recycled water. We continue to adapt and refine our knowl- edge around climate-related physical risks and regularly review our climate-related performance targets.”

through benchmarking and comparison with peers to continuously improve water governance. CDP data also provides insight for investors and other influential decision- makers on how to reduce risk, capitalise on opportunities and drive action towards a more sustainable world. “Water is a critical input for mining oper- ations. For Implats’ operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe particularly, water management is critical as these are water scarce areas,” says Muller. 

The CDP Water Disclosure Project score encourages companies to progress their environmental stewardship practices

Zululand Anthracite Colliery restarts operations Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) has recommenced mining and processing operations at the mine. Located in Ulundi, in KwaZulu-Natal, the mine has been on care and maintenance since President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of the state of national disaster to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in March 2020.

at full capacity produces 1-million tonnes of anthracite per annum. It has two processing plants onsite where the product is washed to top qualities of 0,9% to 1,4% sulphur with extremely low ash content ranging from 8,5% to 18%. The product is sold to domestic and export markets. Bradley Hammond, Menar’s chief operat- ing officer, who is overseeing the resumption of operations, says the mine is in the pro- cess of ramping up operations in order to meet customer supply requirements in 2021. “It has been a very challenging year for all industries; however, we are seeing a steady rebound in market conditions and ZAC is well-placed to support existing and new customers in their anthracite product supply needs on a long-term basis,” he says. 

COVID-19 national and international lockdowns severely impacted demand volumes and prices for anthracite in 2020, which resulted in the difficult but neces- sary decision to place the mine on care and maintenance. However, ZAC and parent company, Menar are hopeful for a strong rebound in 2021. ZAC consists of three shafts with a fourth shaft planned to open in 2022 and

February 2021  MODERN MINING  7