• ENVIRONMENT
SRK uses a range of quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate clients ’ exposure to climate change risk . These include measuring the project ’ s greenhouse gas emissions as part of its environmental impact assessment and applying climate change models to identify specific project risks posed by predicted changes in climatic conditions .
Innovating for sustainability “ By integrating SRK ’ s professional input , we ensure not only that clients are compliant with regulations , but that the many and varied risks of climate change are addressed in their projects . This makes them more sustainable and robust in the longer term .” she says .
According to Maritz the science of climate change modelling is relatively young , leading the company to take an adaptive and dynamic approach – while leveraging off partnerships to develop and apply the power of predictive modelling . “ This assists us in pioneering strategies and tools to manage climate change risks , from initial mine design and operational technical inputs through to social transitioning and mine closure . While monitoring is being undertaken extensively at most mine sites , the interpretation of the data is critical to identifying trends that could prevent undesirable events ,” says Maritz .
Digital and data A key concern for SRK has been the development of better data processing and analysis capacity for the considerable mine data that is already available . This helps guide decision-making around climate change and the risks it poses .
SRK recently established a dedicated data services unit that works closely with the climate change team to leverage and evolve the latest digital technologies . For instance , as part of an innovation project , the team is developing an interactive mining map of South Africa ; this provides a coordinated source of geo-located data on various aspects and stages of mining .
SRK is also looking at developing site-specific climate changerelated rainfall models for its mining clients , to better inform their project and operational planning . To support its ongoing innovation efforts , the company holds an annual innovation conference that fosters collaboration between specialists and opens doors to valuable applications .
Philippa Burmeister principal scientist at SRK Consulting .
About Philippa Burmeister Philippa has been involved in integrated environmental management for the past 17 years and is a principal scientist at SRK Consulting . She holds a BSc ( Honours ) in Environmental Science from the University of Rhodes , Grahamstown and is a registered Professional Scientist with SACNASP as well as a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA . More recently , Philippa specialised in air quality and climate change and is a member of both the National Association for Clean Air and International Association of Impact Assessors , South African Chapter . She has been involved in the development of air quality and climate change policy including the 2017 review of the National Framework on Air Quality Management . Philippa partners with business and government to identify and execute innovative sustainability solutions to strategic challenges . The focus of her work is the identification of environmental opportunities and constraints leading to the sustainable use of natural resources to efficiently meet socio-economic needs .
Ashleigh Maritz , senior environmental consultant SRK Consulting SA .
About Ashleigh Maritz Ashleigh has 12 years ’ experience in the field of environmental science and management and is a Senior Environmental Scientist at SRK Consulting . She holds a BSc in Natural and Environmental Science , a BSc Honours in Biochemistry and a MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg . Ashleigh is a registered Professional Scientist with SACNASP as well as a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA . She is a member of NACA and has a keen interest in the field of climate change , having contributed to many opinion pieces and publications on this topic and is currently assisting with developing a climate change initiative in SRK Consulting globally . Ashleigh has been involved in undertaking climate change assessments for the mining sector as well as providing support to the municipal sector to ensure that climate change aspects are included in various policies and plans . Ashleigh ’ s other interests are focused on the social aspects of mine closure . •
26 • African
Mining • February 2021 www . africanmining . co . za