Every year on July 28th, we are reminded that a healthy environment is the foundation for a healthy society. The theme for 2024, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” focuses on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience.
Sibanye-Stillwater’s commitment to demonstrate leadership in biodiversity management and promote resilience in post-mining ecosystems is defined in our Biodiversity Position Statement. Our approach to biodiversity management is set out in our Biodiversity procedure. The procedure requires the execution of the mitigation hierarchy from project phase to closure. We employ mitigation and restoration in an attempt to arrive at a state of net zero environmental deterioration, or a net gain.
Our Biodiversity procedure considers a number of reporting and standard requirements including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) biodiversity standard, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) principle 7 and position statement, local guidelines and laws, and investment criteria such as those promoted by the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited), one of the two primary listings of Sibanye-Stillwater and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). We recognise that biodiversity is a dynamic field (trending toward stricter measures) and we note its relevance to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15, as well as to the UN’s 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. Our aims further align with the UN’s goal to reverse environmental degradation and natural habitat loss.
Sibanye-Stillwater welcomes the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) Sector Guidance: Mining and Metals as an important step towards an industry that prioritises nature. TNFD provides companies and financial institutions with the tools, a framework and information needed to integrate nature-related decision making into their governance structures, strategic planning, risk management and disclosures.
Sibanye-Stillwater is committed to ICMM’s Nature Position Statement released in January 2024. We have completed our sensitive area assessments and continue with our concurrent rehabilitation commitments as the first step to enhancing biodiversity at and around our facilities. For more information on our biodiversity commitments please see our Biodiversity Management Fact Sheet.
Photo by Olli-Pekka Karlin
Featured case study from our EU region:
Ancient species of golden eagle thrives near Sibanye-Stillwater mining project in Finland
In Finland, near Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium project, we are privileged to observe one of the oldest golden eagles in the country. This majestic bird is being tracked using GPS, allowing us to monitor its movements and behaviour closely. This eagle has successfully raised several broods over the years, with new nests being constructed just outside the mining zone.
Each winter, Sibanye-Stillwater undertakes dedicated feeding efforts to support the eagle, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving this magnificent species and its natural habitat.
As we celebrate World Conservation Day with the rest of the mining industry and the world, let’s consolidate and increase our efforts to preserve and conserve nature and biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.
