RISK MANAGEMENT
Ocean acidification is another interesting indicator, as the upper
layer of the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity
of surface ocean waters has increased by about 30%, and the
amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the ocean is
increasing by approximately 2 billion tons per year. The use of coal for power generation is claimed to be one
of the biggest contributors to climate change. In Africa, and
especially in South Africa, coal still forms the backbone of
the energy sector and coal miners are of the opinion that
developing countries will only grow if their economy is
powered by coal. What is your opinion?
How is climate change affecting our daily life and what is its
most severe impact? (ER): South Africa recently released the Integrated Resource
Plan, which foresees a situation in which coal will generate 60%
of our electricity by 2030, down from 77% today. While this may
not be considered by everyone as enough of a decrease, it is
important that we engineer a ‘just transition’ away from coal and
towards renewable sources. This shift needs to be well managed
so that it avoids disastrous disruptions – either to electricity
consumers, utility employees, or communities reliant on coal-
fired power plants.
(ER): Climate change impacts are already evident, as observed
recently with the drought in the Western Cape and other
regions within South Africa. Not only is the volume of rainfall
affected but the epicentre of rainfall events can shift, altering
the position of the catchment area. This had a drastic effect
on residents and businesses, especially agricultural industries.
Timing of rainfall can also affect crop growing cycles – and
hence the prevailing market demand and prices that farmers
can achieve. This could even render certain farming choices
unviable, while creating opportunities for new crops. Food
security could be compromised by these observed changes if
we fail to adapt.
How is climate change affecting the mining industry and its
value chain?
(AM): As climatic conditions change, mines are seeing impacts
on the stability and effectiveness of their infrastructure and
equipment, as well as on their environmental protection and site
closure practices. Higher temperatures and water scarcity, for
example, would complicate the operation and environmental
rehabilitation of mine sites, and could cause direct competition
(AM): The search for water can force populations to migrate,
especially in rural areas, and this can lead to rivalry and conflict
– as limited resources have to be shared. On a larger scale,
migration across the world can result in global instability. Water
scarcity in rural areas also results in increased urbanisation,
which presents its own challenges. It is important to remember
that impacts of water scarcity also tend to be immediate; people
cannot wait long before they act if water runs out. It therefore
becomes a crisis demanding urgent responses and solutions.
The move to renewable energy holds many benefits for the
country and society, not least in terms of air quality and
health. Growth in the renewable sector will also bring its own
opportunities in skills, technology and other aspects of its
value chain.
Although some places in the world have become hotter than the average, other regions in the world are experiencing higher snowfall.
www. africanmining.co.za
African Mining Publication
African Mining
African Mining February 2020
31