Modern Mining July 2022

GREEN MINING

AECI drives the ESG agenda JSE-listed explosives manufacturer AECI Mining’s strategy remains firmly focused on step changes aligned with meeting its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, says newly appointed chief executive officer for AECI Mining, Mark Kathan. By Nelendhre Moodley .

L ast year, the explosives manufacturer’s sustain ability report outlined specific sustainability targets for 2025 including overarching goals for a better world focused on making mining safer; providing access to clean water and improv

Aside from adopting new measures to meet the new emissions criteria at its plants located at Modderfontein, Sasolburg and Umbogintwini, AECI Mining is rolling out a carbon tracking programme targeting the following product categories:  Surface bulk emulsions  Underground bulk emulsions  Boosters/Primers “The aim of our carbon tracking initiative is to track our carbon footprint over the next few years on an identified product range to illustrate to our shareholders and customer-base the progress being made on our ESG drive,” explains Kathan, adding that while the move to align to the green agenda is expensive, it is nonetheless worth the price as it will transform the way AECI does business. “In time, we will be adopting much greener solu tions on more of our product ranges. For instance, given that ammonium nitrate is a key component in the manufacturing of explosives, we are exploring a pathway to greener ammonia and are considering potential partnerships with key industry players that will aid in this journey.” With AECI’s drive to increase its renewable energy

AECI Mining’s CEO, Mark Kathan.

ing conservation; reducing the hazardous nature and effects of chemicals; reducing carbon intensity; and pursuing zero harm to people and the environment as well as effecting a culture of going green and being responsible. The six targets for 2025 are a 25% decrease in potable water consumption; a 20% decrease in discharge to sea or sewers; a 20% decrease in Scope 1 car bon emissions; a total recordable incident rate below 0, 25; a 24% decrease in envi ronmental incidents and an 8% increase in electricity from renewables. “As we transition over the next 2 – 5

Our carbon tracking initiative will track our carbon footprint over the next few years on an identified product range to illustrate to our customers the progress being made on our ESG drive – Kathan.

years our core focus will be on supporting the environment and our people and dovetailing our ini tiatives to meet our customers’ goals, Kathan tells Modern Mining .

AECI’s technological transformation targets the roll-out of battery powered mobile charging units.

30  MODERN MINING  July 2022