MINING INDABA • in the renewable energy space in many African countries , including South Africa .
Power to remote communities In this context , the mining sector is not just serving its own need for energy . Clearly , it is advancing the global drive toward lower carbon emissions , but it is also opening doors for renewable technology to enter and transform communities around Africa . Especially in remote local economies where basic services are minimal , the adoption of solar energy by a mine can initiate or foster a valuable supply chain in related skills and products . With characteristic entrepreneurship in most parts of the continent , these new sectors are rapidly embraced by communities to enhance business , education and other facets of life .
One of the advantages of emerging renewable energy generation and storage systems is that they do not necessarily need the investment and infrastructure of traditional national grids . This has the effect of taking what was primarily a national government responsibility just a few decades ago , and placing that capability into the hands of private enterprise and community members .
Building resilience Where communities have a reliable energy supply , they will have better access to communication and can improve their productive ability . All these factors build quality of life , but they also make individuals , households and communities more resilient to the changing world around them . Whether electricity is used for lighting to make communities safer , for extending business hours , for allowing after-hours learning or for pumping water , the benefits of affordable energy are myriad . In this way , more energy allows communities to future-proof themselves to some extent against uncertainties – not least of all from climate change and economic challenges . patterns have the potential to destabilise and impoverish especially rural African local economies .
Initially , mining ’ s response to water management focused on conservation and efficiency – using less water and recycling more . These efforts have taken great strides and achieved many successes , and they continue unabated . However , there has also been an important , higher-level reconsideration of how water management is approached , based on
Andrew van Zyl , managing director , SRK Consulting ( South Africa ).
sustainability thinking that looks beyond the confines of each mining licence .
Whether electricity is used for lighting to make communities safer , for extending business hours , for allowing after-hours learning or for pumping water , the benefits of affordable energy are myriad .
Mines have recognised the importance of community engagement , and much has been achieved in placing the groundwork for a more collaborative future with stakeholders . Through these efforts , we are likely to see the energy investments made by mines having an enhanced impact on local communities . This is already gaining traction through mines ’ innovative supplier development programmes and carefully negotiated corporate social investment initiatives .
Future water needs Alongside energy generation and distribution , the question of access to water is high on Africa ’ s list of developmental priorities . Again , the mining sector has been focused on this issue for many years , and has made considerable progress . With our growing understanding of existing and expected climate change impacts , it has taken on more urgency – as shifts in temperatures and weather
Amid many challenges , the mining sector has been given more tools with which to more effectively create positive social and economic benefits .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2025 • 23