An employee separates waste in to four types for recyclingOur focus is on ensuring waste produced by our operations has the least possible impact on people and the environment. Within the Group, there are 132 large-volume tailings facilities, 54 of which are operational.
Our facilities are assessed and rated according to the potential environmental and structural risk they pose, and inspections are conducted by independent parties according to the level of risk posed by a specific facility. Facilities that are active or are regarded as high-risk are audited every year, while medium-risk and low-risk facilities are examined at two- and three-year intervals, respectively. During 2011, 47 such assessments were conducted.
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Large-volume waste facilities
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2011
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2010
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2009
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2008
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Number of mineral residue disposal facilities
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132
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127
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124
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126
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Facilities in active use
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54
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57
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56
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70
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Total area occupied by facilities (hectares)
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7,270
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6,527
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6,821
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6,573
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Total number of audits
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47
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71
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85
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93
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Non-mineral waste
We also focus on non-mineral waste streams, separating them and apportioning reduction targets. Our operations have achieved various degrees of success in this area, with the majority having achieved their goals.
Our platinum business is working towards reducing its quantities of waste disposal to landfill by 15% by 2014 using 2008 as a baseline. To achieve this, minimisation has been included as a key performance indicator in the scope of work of waste management contractors. In 2011, Platinum collected 99 tonnes of waste paper, 22 tonnes of glass, 15,615 tonnes of steel and 266 tonnes of plastic for external recycling. A further 5,680 tonnes of other general non-hazardous waste were refurbished for internal re-use.
Hazardous waste
Disposing hazardous waste produced by our operations is heavily regulated and well managed. These processes are subject to regular ISO 14001 environmental management system audits. Systems are in place to ensure compliance with the European Union REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulations.