Environment

Climate change & greenhouse gas emissions

As a responsible coal producer, Seriti is conscious of the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and people.  We therefore aim to actively reduce our carbon emissions while helping manage the Just Energy Transition to a low carbon future and improve on our climate-related financial disclosures to our stakeholders.   Seriti is committed to accurately measuring and reporting its carbon footprint with the aim of reducing our contribution to climate change and assess and understand our climate-related risks and opportunities.

Air quality

Seriti operates in two declared priority airsheds (the Vaal Triangle and the Highveld).  Our major impact on air quality is through particulate matter or dust fall-out.   We work hard to reduce our impact on air quality on communities and sensitive receptors around us.

Water management

South Africa is a water-scarce developing country. We therefore understand the importance of conserving our water resources and optimising our consumption. Our Water Management Strategy considers the impact of our water use on surrounding ecosystems and host communities. Seriti follows the principles of the water management hierarchy set out by the Department of Water and Sanitation.  Water contamination and water use are avoided wherever possible.  Where impossible to avoid, water impacts are minimized as much as possible.  Poor-quality or mine impacted water that cannot be used must be treated for discharge or use by a third party.

Land stewardship

Our land management philosophy is to progressively reinstate a post-mining landscape that improves local spatial development patterns and maximises socio-economic opportunities post-closure.

We believe proper land rehabilitation and management practices naturally encourage the return of indigenous fauna and flora. The presence of diverse natural biodiversity is a significant indicator of a health eco-system, able to provide specific functions and services to all stakeholders, which could range from flood attenuation in healthy wetlands to recreational activities such as bird watching.

Responsible mine closure enables a sustainable environment and land-based economy.   The process of closing a mine begins long before the day that the final ton of coal is mined.  It begins from the development of the operation – mining with the end in mind. 

Seriti is involved in studies to ensure sustainable post-mining land use, including intensive agriculture programmes on mined-out land. We are also in the process of identifying additional approaches to using rehabilitated land that will empower our host communities, including renewable energy projects such as wind and solar.