RAISING THE BAR:
. . . Why Maloma mine puts sustainability at the heart of its operations
Maloma Colliery Limited continues to lead the way in environmental stewardship at all levels of the mine’s planning, operations, and interaction with the three chiefdom communities in which it operates.
These host communities comprise the Mamba, Dlamini and Mngomezulu chiefdoms, and their collective population is estimated to be 100, 000 people.
The company has invested significant resources in ensuring that natural resources such as water, energy, air and land are utilised in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
At the heart of Maloma Colliery Limited’s commitment to sustainability are the mine’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices which play a significant role in the mine’s overall business strategy.
These greening practices are also strengthened by Maloma mine’s founding commitment to plough back into the communities in which it operates.
Excellence
Jabu Shabangu, the CEO of Maloma Colliery Limited, confirms that as a major player in the continent’s mining sector, they are committed to achieving excellence in environmental stewardship and minimising their carbon footprint.
This, Shabangu says, is achieved through implementing industry leading, environmentally sound initiatives as well as adhering to international best practice.
Maloma’s ESG goals include, but are not limited to, reducing the mine’s carbon footprint by deploying energy efficient measures and utilising low carbon technologies throughout the mining production processes.
The following are some of the objectives that Maloma’s carbon reduction strategy focuses on achieving:
• Incorporating energy use reduction and efficiencies throughout the mining life cycle;
• Exploring opportunities for alternative energy sources; and
• Minimising carbon emissions with integration of financially viable, low carbon technologies.
The mine focuses on adaptive management, precautionary approaches, and incorporating local communities’ traditional knowledge in all phases of the mining life cycle.
Maloma understands that improving its ESG business practices is imperative to gaining and retaining the trust of emaSwati and international stakeholders which is why the company consistently strives to improve delivery on these environmental goals.
“At Maloma, we produce, transport, and market anthracite coal in a safe and sustainable manner to a growing international market, and support the economic growth of Eswatini and the region. Whilst doing so, we ensure that we comply with energy, security, reliability, and sustainability requirements,” says Shabangu.
“Due to the nature of the industry, climate change does impact our assets, production, and the markets where our product is sold. The risks that this poses to our business, and all ESG elements are key considerations in our business planning cycle and future strategy.”
Footprint
“That is why we have put in place processes for tracking our carbon footprint, whilst mitigating risks and impacts on the environment. These processes also help us effectively respond to climate-related risks and opportunities in line with international best practice. They also assist us ensuring that we adhere to statutory requirements.”
Against this backdrop, Maloma has put together a team of environmental champions responsible for promoting ESG compliance on operations.
The team, led by Emmanuel Nkambule, an environmental specialist, makes it a point that all resources, including water and energy, are utilised efficiently and in a sustainable manner.
The environmental specialists also focus on minimising waste generation, whilst being cognisant of the mine operations’ impact on air quality. They also promote collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to minimise any impact on biodiversity, whilst ensuring sustainable future land use.
“We have an open communication pathway between environmental and mining authorities in order to promote and enhance compliance, teamwork, and collaboration for the best practical solutions,” says Nkambule.