Anglo American's coal and platinum operations recognised for sustainability work
17 October, 2007
For the second year running, projects in Anglo American's coal and platinum businesses have been recognised at South Africa's Nedbank Capital Green Mining Awards.
Held in Johannesburg in October 2007, The Nedbank Capital Green Mining Awards recognise mining and beneficiation companies across Africa for their contribution to sustainability in four categories - sustainability, environmental, socio-economic and limited resources.
Anglo Platinum's Amandelbult Mine won the Environmental category for its Environmental Management System which, since it was implemented in 2000, has improved environmental risk identification and impact management at the mine. As part of the EMS, a reverse osmosis water treatment plant has been implemented and land has been fenced-off to help protect and nurture species endemic to the region.
Anglo Coal and BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa (BECSA) Emalahleni Water Reclamation Project won the Sustainability Award. Described as a 'world-class project and an exemplary model for development', this pioneering private-public partnership with the Emalahleni Local Municipality removes water from the underground workings of Anglo Coal's Landau, Greenside and Kleinkopje collieries, as well as from BHP Billiton's closed South Witbank Mine. It desalinates this to potable quality for supply to the water-stressed municipality's final reservoirs.
Anglo Coal's Basa njengo Magogo indoor air-quality campaign, which targets pollution from household cooking fires, took top honours in the Socio-Economic Category and was recognised as an excellent example of a simple, low technology solution to a major health and social issue. Although it does not sell coal to households, Anglo Coal elected to promote a low-cost coal burning intervention that teaches families to make fires in a healthier, more cost effective and environmentally-friendly way.
Platinum and coal operations from Anglo American were also winners at the 2006 awards with Platinum's Sustainable Development Programme taking the Sustainability Award and Anglo Coal's Isibonelo Wetlands project winning the Environmental Award.
Multicultural award for Anglo Coal Australia
In September, Anglo Coal Australia (ACA) was also recognised at the 2007 Queensland Multicultural Awards, which highlight outstanding achievers in the promotion of multiculturalism in a range of categories, including individuals, volunteers, schools, organisation, business and government.
Anglo Coal Australia won the Large Business category of the awards for its community development work with the Woorabinda aboriginal community, indigenous training programmes and its efforts to eradicate racism.
Susan Johnston, ACA's Acting Head of External Affairs, said Anglo Coal Australia was delighted to be recognised for its multicultural initiatives. “With a long and proud history in South Africa, Anglo American has long demonstrated a rich heritage of employing and supporting people from a wide variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
Since Anglo Coal commenced operations in Australia in July 2000, our custom of embracing cultural diversity has continued, especially in terms of the company's involvement with local indigenous communities and initiatives,” she said.