Jet-setting from sustainability to regeneration

The JET focuses on switching our coal-based energy mix to renewables (US$7.8 billion [R132.6 billion]), and also aims to improve the generation, transmission and distribution of energy, namely green hydrogen ($200 million [R3.4 billion]) and electric batteries in SA’s automotive cluster ($700 million [R11.9 billion]).

Historically, sustainability has become associated with climate change, particularly decarbonisation and net-zero emissions. However, it is much deeper and broader than that. While it is important to focus on the attitudes, behaviours and culture that inform demands for goods and services, it is equally important to drive focus on reusing, recycling and regenerating production value chain inputs and outputs. Is it possible that regeneration is the ‘new green’?

If so, this allows the mining sector to respond effectively to three key challenges:

The Minerals Council South Africa estimates that the country’s mining sector utilises 30% of the nation’s electricity. The lack of energy security in South Africa has jeopardised mining productivity, revenue and employment growth, and has also emphasised the importance of power for ongoing on-site safety. The requirement for employees to be able to move between working areas underground, and receive adequate ventilation is critical to sustainable operations. These factors, among others, have placed the industry at the forefront of the JET agenda, with mining companies currently funding and establishing 6 500 MW in renewable energy projects. What’s more, these sector players have the opportunity to incorporate green power generation in their mine closure strategies, to the benefit of future communities.

The revised, draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable use of South Africa’s Biodiversity is now open for commentary. The paper highlights that “South Africa’s Recently at the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, South Africa won international acclaim and partial funding for its Just Energy Transition (JET) plan. By Spencer Eckstein*

biodiversity provides an important basis for economic growth and development, and is critical to people’s livelihoods.” Many would argue that there is already sufficient related legislation in place; however, the loss of biodiversity is still rife across the country. The reality is that the mining sector is a primary contributor to habitat loss, soil damage and water pollution through excavation, mine effluent and waste. As such, the industry needs to lead the biodiversity sector’s transformation, prioritising the integrity of specific species and ecosystems in areas of operation, and integrating these aspects into larger business plans.

Sustainable activity and community empowerment are inextricably linked. The World Bank’s 2022 South Africa Country Climate and Development Report reiterates that a ‘triple transition’ is critical to combatting poverty and promoting prosperity sustainably. By lowering carbon emissions, mining companies can ensure that water and air pollution do not negatively impact surrounding communities or their livelihoods. Furthermore, if South Africa is to become more resilient, the effects of climate change on the country’s agriculture, infrastructure and people need to be mitigated. Extreme weather events are also detrimental to local economies, highlighting the need for sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration.

While the globe grapples with climate change and sustainability, the mining sector is uniquely positioned to lead the transition, particularly with regard to the green hydrogen economy. The old binaries of economic growth or going green are no longer relevant, both are needed.