Modern Mining July 2023

life, we are contributing towards a more stable soci ety. 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 appoint ment 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 pro ducer, 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 dif ferent 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. 

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 reduc tion 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

Above: Aerial view of a section of DRDGOLD’s Ergo plant at Brakpan.

Centre: Cyclone deposition of tailings at DRDGOLD’s Brakpan tailings deposition facility, following retreatment of reclaimed mine dump material to recover gold. Left: Reclamation of mine dump slimes material by remotely operated high pressure water jet, ahead of retreatment at Ergo to extract gold.

Broad-based livelihoods community project.

that both the environment and the busi ness 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 surround ing 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 adja cent to our operations are, in many instances, impoverished; by investing in initiatives to improve their quality of

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