Kumba aims to minimise the environmental impact of its operations by taking a systematic and disciplined approach and applying sophisticated risk assessment techniques that directly inform its strategic initiatives and plans. During 2010, Kumba focused on the management of six environmental aspects, namely: energy, water, air quality, non-mineral waste, land and compliance to legal and other requirements. Within these, Kumba identified nine key risks for attention: water consumption and quality, dewatering, energy consumption, waste rock dump rehabilitation, managing farms owned by the company, dust emissions, hydrocarbon pollution, the generation and reduction of non-mineral waste and legislative compliance.
Environmental management is not confined to a single department within Kumba. For example, energy and water consumption and efficiency, plus greenhouse gas emissions, are championed by the Engineering Department. Coordinating environmental management is an intra- and inter-company affair with many internal engagements taking place. A strong connection with Anglo American also exists through which best practices, lessons and ideas are shared. In the following pages, Kumba’s strategy and performance with regards to environmental management are discussed.
