ESG

2022 Highlights

• Caledonia’s 12.2 MWac solar plant was commissioned in 2022.
• Rehabilitation is carried out on the slope of the tailings storage facility at Blanket.
• Freshwater usage reduced through water recycling from the milling plant. 

We maintain the highest environmental standards in order to minimise the risk posed by our operations to employees, local communities, broader society and the environment. 

A fundamental element of our commitment to sustainable development requires us to integrate environmental considerations into our business decisions. Our goal is to achieve continuous improvement in our work to prevent pollution and minimise the impact of our operations on the natural environment, by methods that include habitat improvement, energy and water use efficiencies, environmental management, responsible waste management and the removal of historical mine waste to comply with Zimbabwe regulations. 

We have an environmental policy and framework as well as a management plan (“EMP”) that requires all employees to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and aims to go beyond legislative requirements. The EMP serves as the foundation for all environmental training which is mandatory for all mine employees to undertake during their inductions and frequently features additional training for experienced employees. 

Our Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan includes and prepares for environmental emergencies as well as safety-related ones and, along with the EMP, is audited annually internally and externally by NOSA. 

Energy management and emissions

Caledonia is aware of its obligations to use energy efficiently and responsibly, and to seek renewable sources wherever possible to mitigate our impact on the environment. Climate change risks in the region where our mining operations are located include potential increases in temperature and erratic rainfall, which could lead to decreases in available water and the potential impact on agriculture could impact food security. In addition to leveraging renewable sources, achieving efficiencies throughout the mining and processing steps to realise both environmental benefits as well as clear financial advantages are a crucial element of our overall strategy. 

Greenhouse gas emissions

Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for Blanket Mine from 2020 to 2022, and are shown in the table below, which also includes total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions per ounce of gold produced. Following the successful commissioning of the solar plant in late 2022, it is expected that greenhouse gas emissions will decrease from 2023.

Total Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions

Our solar plant

Having identified solar power as a key opportunity for Caledonia to improve the quality and security of Blanket’s electricity supply and to reduce its environmental footprint, a 12.2 MWac solar plant was constructed and connected to the Blanket grid in November 2022. It is generating slightly more power than anticipated, providing approximately a quarter of energy needs. As an example, in January 2023 Blanket consumed 18,000 litres of diesel, which compares to approximately 120,000 litres per month for the whole of 2022, thus demonstrating the significant environmental and financial savings created by the solar plant. 

Water management

Blanket is situated in a region of high water stress, meaning we have an increased responsibility to ensure that water use at the mine is managed effectively to enable shared use with other stakeholders. We have a responsibility to consider access to water and sanitation, and responsible consumption and production.

Caledonia recycles its water from the milling plant activities through a return water system, as such we are able to reduce freshwater demand from the dam. 335,934m³ of water was recycled from the tailings storage facility back to the plant in 2022. Recycled water now makes up 33.8% of our total water consumption. 

Waste and tailings management

A Waste Management Plan is in place at Blanket, which aims to ensure sound waste management practices and compliance with legal requirements and regulations pertaining to environmental protection. We aim to reduce, reuse and recycle waste wherever possible and promote the efficient use of natural resources by training employees in responsible collection, recycling and disposal, including of hazardous materials.

Tailings from the gold extraction process are the largest source of hazardous waste at Blanket. Despite the remote location of our TSF, we are conscious of the potentially negative environmental, safety and health risks which are possible as a result of irresponsible tailings management and therefore have robust systems and structures in place to mitigate such risks. 

Blanket operates an “upstream method” TSF, which is situated on a commercial cattle ranch where human dwelling is very sparse. The nearest habitation (the farm owner’s house) is approximately 4.5 kilometres from the facility and the area is not prone to landslides, flooding or seismic activity. Further details on the Company’s approach to responsible tailings management can be found on our Tailings Disclosure page and in the 2022 ESG Report.

Biodiversity and rehabilitation

Whenever a new project is implemented an Environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) is carried out to assess the project’s potential impacts on the environment. This EIA will suggest possible environmental and biodiversity mitigation measures. Reclamation at Blanket is intended to minimise and, where practical, eliminate environmental damage, provide for domestic livestock use, protect water quality in the adjacent streams which flow into the Blanket Dam and minimise public health and safety hazards. Rehabilitation is performed in all areas where it is applicable and includes tree planting and introducing fresh soil where required. 

Rehabilitation is carried out on the slopes of the tailings storage facility at Blanket with indigenous flora, which in addition to its environmental advantages, also has the added benefits of mitigating wind erosion and dust formation. There are no known sites of protected species near the mine.