The Environment

We are committed to responsible environmental management and wise environmental stewardship. Our Environmental Policy drives our commitment to analysing, controlling and mitigating the impact of our operations
  • Our reporting systems record all significant environmental impacts and incidents
  • We track our corrective measures and actions taken across all our sites
  • Regular third-party audits give us an independent assessment of our performance.

In 2012, we continued to enhance the ABG Group’s environmental and permitting management systems in order to improve alignment with operational objectives.

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Key Statistics

  • GHG emissions equalled 359,458 metric tonnes (71,010 metric tonnes were indirect emissions and 288,448 metric tonnes were direct emissions).
  • Overall, this is a 24% increase on GHG emissions from 2011 due to increased self generation of power as a result of national grid instability
  • We used 7.4 million cubic metres of water across our operations, of which 4.3 million cubic metres represents fresh water which was in line with 2011
  • We improved efficiencies in water use, using 550 litres of water per tonne of ore milled, a decrease of 3% on 2011 levels
  • We used 592 megajoules of energy per tonne of ore processed, a 17% increase on 2011 levels.
  • Our energy profile for the year comprised 82% diesel use, 17% electricity use, with our use of explosives, propane, petrol and other fuels remaining largely equivalent to 2011

Progress in 2012

  • Obtaining Bulyanhulu’s recertification under the International Cyanide Management Code
  • Improving water usage efficiencies by 3%
  • Completion of closure plan for Tulawaka

Priorities in 2013

  • Obtaining initial certification of Buzwagi under the International Cyanide Management Code
  • Completing the commissioning of the North Mara Water Treatment Plant for the lifting of the EPO and obtaining a discharge permit for the site
  • Completing the implementation of all non-mining waste management plans.

Case Study: Environmental rehabilitation at North Mara

The Gonzara area is a natural wetland area in the vicinity of the North Mara mine. This area was adversely affected by soil contamination in 2009 as a result of acid rock drainage and discharge from seepage containment ponds which occurred after trespassers entered the mine premises, vandalised, and in some case  stole, the plastic pond liners designed to prevent such seepage occurring. ABG rectified this by excavating and replacing the contaminated soils, lime dosing the wetland area, installing defensive trenches and sumps to cut off any further acid drainage or seepage and concluding a re-vegetation exercise of the affected areas. The results of this exercise were monitored from 2009 to 2012 and showed ongoing restoration of vegetation, the return of native wildlife to the area and, ultimately, the restoration of a functioning ecosystem.