Kumba Iron Ore, an Anglo American subsidiary, recently announced its sustainability plan to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage by 30pc by 2030.
The reduction in emissions and energy use is considered against its 2016 baseline. The miner also intends to use 14pc less water in its operations by 2025. The company utilizes fossil fuels for 82pc of its power, due to which it paid R11.5mn ($736,707) toward the carbon tax in 2019. This cost is expected to be lowered as well with the use of solar energy. The company is also considering green hydrogen as a source of power.
Kumba also plans to extend the life of its assets to 2040 and expand its iron business in the Northern Cape. The South African mine is the fourth-largest iron-ore producer in the world, putting out 9.5mn mt in Q3 2020, with goal of 38-40mn mt for full year.
($1 = ZAR15.61)