Case study archive

As part of the management of nature-related risks and opportunities, Northam considers climate change issues.

Northam supported the development of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD), and the subsequent Mining Sector Guidelines, by participating in an ICMM convened, analytically supported PGM mining pilot through the TNFD Beta 0.3 and 0.4 frameworks. Northam elected to participate in the TNFD framework pilot, in line with its evolving sustainability journey, underscored by high nature-related impact and dependencies associated with our operations, as well as the opportunity to provide input into and refinement of the TNFD framework. The pilot scope excluded nature-related risks or opportunities within Northam’s value chain.

Using the Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure (ENCORE) Tool, Northam, with the support from EarthInc (Pty) Ltd, identified significant ecosystem service dependencies and impact drivers of environmental change. Based on ENCORE impact and dependency pathway analyses, water and habits were identified as material natural capital assets, for which material risks and opportunities were then assessed. Species (or biodiversity) was included in this assessment as a result of interrelationships between habitats and the species.

Key dependency risks identified included access to water and water security to maintain operations; soil erosion, slope stability and soil contamination affecting surface and groundwater resources; as well as long-term remediation and rehabilitation programmes. Key impact risks included financial costs associated with ecosystem remediation and rehabilitation required to address reduced ecological functioning, maintaining surface and groundwater ecological provisioning systems, and reducing soil loss and improving stability. To mitigate these risks, Northam has implemented the following mitigation measures to address nature-related risks and opportunities:

• Expanding the Buttonshope Conservancy Trust area under the De Berg Nature Reserve
• Formalising the De Berg Nature Reserve, which was designated as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site, into the provincial protected area network
• Incorporating biodiversity and land use considerations into the mining layout to reduce extent of habitat modification and biodiversity loss
• Developing integrated biodiversity management plans for Booysendal and the De Berg Nature Reserve
• Reusing and recycling process water to reduce reliance on potable water purchased from third-party service providers
• Underground backfilling using tailings at Zondereinde to reduce the TSF surface footprint

As part of the management of nature-related risks and opportunities, Northam considers climate change issues. We understand that the responsible management of natural resources such as water, which may be severely affected by global warming, contributes to the longevity of our communities and environment, as well as the sustainability of our operations in the long run.