Protection of the biological resources – land, biodiversity and heritage – near our activities is a key element of our environmental strategy. We continually monitor all operational activities that can potentially impact mine site environmental management plans.
In addition, for each operation, we develop biodiversity action plans to avoid and mitigate any impact on sensitive species, habitat or ecosystems. These include programmes to remove alien and invasive vegetation implemented in South Africa by way of local economic development projects. See the Fact sheet: Biodiversity management for further details.
Sibanye-Stillwater has 1,032 heritage sites across its SA and US regions. See the heritage section for further detail.
We recognise our responsibility to return land disturbed by mining to stable and productive post-mining uses. Closure planning begins in the early stages of a mine’s development and life, and is updated regularly throughout the life of each mining operation. This process entails an extensive analysis of land use options, environmental factors and community development concerns and objectives and involves dialogue and collaboration with host communities and other stakeholders.
We work closely with regulators across all our operations and adjust our closure plans as regulatory requirements evolve.
