ESG
Environment
From construction to closure, we are committed to implementing world-class environmental management standards throughout the full lifecycle of our operations.
2024 highlights
· Climate change risk assessments completed for Blanket Mine and the Bilboes and Motapa projects
· 12.2 MWac solar plant at Blanket Mine continues to reduce our reliance on diesel generators.
· 720,000 m3 water recycled, equivalent to 26% of total water use
At Caledonia, responsible environmental management underpins every stage of our operations. Our commitment extends beyond compliance – it is about proactively reducing our footprint, conserving resources, and safeguarding the natural capital that sustains communities and our business.
We take a structured, lifecycle-based approach, embedding environmental stewardship from exploration through closure. This includes rigorous water and energy management, proactive waste reduction, careful tailings management, and targeted efforts to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond regulatory standards, we integrate international best practices and collaborate closely with local stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.
The Blanket Mine operates in a semi-arid region, where water scarcity presents a significant challenge, making efficient and responsible water use essential. Water supports key operations, including metallurgical processing, mining, and domestic use at the mine village, and is primarily sourced from the public Blanket Dam, supplemented by underground water, recycled process water, and 12 onsite boreholes. Recognising our shared reliance on public water sources, we enforce strict consumption controls and monitor both usage and discharge quality. Daily on-site testing and monthly third-party analysis help ensure compliance with regulatory standards and protect community access to clean, safe water.
Gold mining generates both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, making responsible waste management vital for environmental protection and operational sustainability. At the Blanket Mine, our Waste Management Plan guides efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials, limiting landfill use and promoting efficient resource use. We do not transport, export, or import hazardous waste or engage in international waste shipments.
Hazardous materials, such as cyanide used in processing, are managed under strict controls to ensure safe handling and disposal. Non-hazardous waste, including general and organic waste, is prioritised for recycling or reuse. Dedicated personnel oversee compliance, and employees receive ongoing training to uphold waste standards, supporting our goal of minimising environmental impact and maintaining safe, responsible operations.
We aim to minimise disruption to local ecosystems and promote long-term biodiversity conservation through careful management of flora and fauna, where possible implementing conservation initiatives that go beyond regulatory compliance and enhance ecological resilience. Rehabilitation at Blanket is designed to mitigate environmental impacts and restore land for future use. We focus on stabilising disturbed areas, improving soil conditions, and reintroducing native vegetation to encourage ecosystem recovery. Rehabilitation efforts include tree planting, soil restoration, and landform stabilisation to reduce erosion and improve long-term environmental resilience. Special attention is given to our old TSF, where slope stabilisation and revegetation help mitigate wind erosion and dust generation.
Blanket Mine’s Reclamation and Closure Plan, regularly updated to reflect best practices, prioritises environmental protection, land stability, and responsible decommissioning, ensuring a sustainable transition and restored environment when mining operations cease.