MANAGEMENT

Glencore keeps communities alive after mine closure

Partnership sees locals prosper through cross-sector approach.

Glencore keeps communities alive after mine closure

Coal mining giant Glencore has found an answer, which if replicated across developing nations, could have an ever-lasting sustainable impact on communities.

Glencore partnered with Melbourne-based firm Business for Development which assists mining and resources companies to develop strong community relations in regions they operate.

Glencore and Business for Development teamed up with the International Council on Mining and Metals, Impact Catalyst, Umsimbithi Mining, and the South Africa Mine Water Coordinating Body for a pilot project.

The venture aimed to address uncertainty for communities after Glencore rehabilitated its Wonderfontein coal mine. 

The pilot project to come out of the collaboration is called Mpumalanga Winter Wheat and was launched in April this year.

It involved trialing wheat crops across the rehabilitated mine site, which ensured food security and added farm-based employment with local communities.

The pilot is being run until January and is supporting 14,300 smallholder farming families, more than 57,000 people living in the Mpumalanga region.

The success of the project is now being observed.

"Mine closure has evolved from an ecocentric viewpoint to a holistic approach which integrates environmental, social and economic factors," Wonderfontein mine general manager Thato Gama said.

"This project will offer us invaluable insights in terms of alternative post-closure land uses and the opportunity to create viable economic and employment opportunities once upscaled.

"This can sustain the livelihoods and wellbeing of our communities well beyond mine closure."

Glencore hopes the pilot can pave a path for its mines in the Mpumalanga province.

The venture will share operational findings with the South African government with a view to replicate the success elsewhere.

Mining accounts for nearly 30% of Mpumalanga's GDP. It is hoped agricultural industries such as wheat production could improve the economic prosperity of the region.

One key challenge identified by the venture so far, is the distribution and marketing of wheat from the province.

If successful, this pilot could pave the way for mining companies in other developing nations.

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production