Maloma’s Green Team: Supporting positive ESG outcomes
Emmanuel Nkambule, the environmental specialist at Maloma Colliery Limited, says the company strives to minimise its environmental footprint whilst improving the quality of life in the communities in which it operates.
Nkambule says protecting the environment is more than a mandate, but a mission at Maloma Colliery Limited. “Eswatini is our home, and we are committed to ensuring that we align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the UN Agenda 2030 while also ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the country’’s natural splendour,” he says.
Nkambule says Maloma’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship is based on the efficient use of resources, climate risk management, promoting biodiversity and environmental stewardship.”
Maloma has put in place internal ISO audit systems supported by a robust Environmental Management Programme/Plans as well as a Water Use Programme as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Performance in each station of the mine’s operations is audited periodically.
The internal audit systems feed into a wider and independent monitoring process conducted by external, independent specialists.
This ensures a tight quality control regime to minimise and mitigate Maloma’s environmental and social impacts
“We work together as a team to identify challenges and explain their implications on the mine’s planning and operations. We also collectively explore and implement forward-looking solutions for best outcomes,” Nkambule says.
“As part of our sustainability projects, we have implemented a waste management strategy that focuses on waste reduction and waste sorting as detailed in the Maloma Waste Management Plan.”
Nkambule adds that all major projects have adhered to all compliance obligations as enshrined in the Environmental Management Act, 2002, as well as the Mines and Minerals Act 2011.
These include the expansion of the Greater Crownlands coal mine, the proposed Shaft 4, and the proposed St Philips Coal mining project.
“We have also implemented a robust waste recycling programme which is anchored on the principle of the 3Rs - Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce. Some of the items that are recycled include hazardous oil waste which is turned into heavy fuel oil (HFO). This generates revenue while protecting the environment,” Nkambule says.
“We also promote biodiversity conservation through the protection of red data species of fauna and flora as per the provisions of the Flora Act 2001 and Game Act 1991.” Nkambule adds that as part of Maloma mine’s air pollution prevention programme the company implements regular dust suppression measures in both underground and surface sections.
“The mine is further committed to investing in other sustainable initiatives including water recycling technologies aimed at conserving water through a combined process of reverse osmosis where raw water is processed into clean usable water,” he said.
“We have forged alliances and collaborations with institutions and government departments such as the Ministry of Natural Resources, particularly the Department Water Affairs in monitoring the quality of our water resources to ensure continued compliance and water pollution prevention.”