JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Coal mining company Ndalamo Resources is actively exploring opportunities in renewable energy and other minerals, paving the way for a diversified and resilient future.

Ndalamo CEO Shammy Luvhengo states this in an Op-Ed in relation to the overarching theme of next week's 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba theme of 'Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining'.

“In the landscape of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the role of the coal mining industry is both pivotal and transformative,” Luvhengo writes.

Ndalamo is embracing this disruption with enthusiasm and determination and Luvhengo envisages a future where the mining sector collaborates, innovates, and leads the charge towards a sustainable, diversified, and technologically advanced mining landscape in Africa.

“We recognise that the evolution of the mining sector hinges upon our ability to navigate disruptive forces and proactively steer toward a future that amalgamates progress, responsibility, and innovation.

“Our strategic pillars - sustainability and ESG, growth and diversification, and operational excellence - are not merely guiding principles but fundamental catalysts driving our endeavours in shaping a new narrative for mining in Africa.

“We firmly believe that sustainability and responsible mining practices form the bedrock of a thriving and ethical mining industry.

“We are committed to operating in harmony with the environment, prioritising the welfare of communities, and upholding the highest standards of governance,” Luvhengo writes.

The Ndalamo website lists the company’s assets as including New Clydesdale Colliery, Ubuntu Colliery, Eloff Colliery, Arnot South Colliery, and Springboklaagte greenfield coal project, all in Mpumalanga, along with Ndalamo Energy, Ndalamo Metals, and Ndalamo Ferrous, which focus on renewable and green energy projects that power cleaner energy opportunities across South Africa.

“As we navigate the realms of the 2024 Mining Indaba's theme, it's imperative to recognise that our industry holds a significant position in this shifting paradigm,” Luvhengo adds.

Viewing mining as standing on the cusp of a new era, he advocates that the focus must not solely dwell on the immediate transition away from coal but on leveraging innovation and technology to mitigate its environmental impact.

“We must explore cleaner coal technologies, invest in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, and diversify our energy portfolio towards renewable sources while ensuring a just transition for the communities reliant on coal mining.”

Luvhengo views participation in this discourse at the Mining Indaba as an affirmation of Ndalamo’s commitment to embracing disruption positively, fostering innovation, and reshaping the trajectory of the coal mining industry towards a more sustainable and vibrant future.

“The journey ahead is challenging, but through collaborative efforts, a commitment to sustainability, a spirit of innovation, and a collective embrace of positive disruption, we’re poised to create a bold and promising future for African mining.”

JUST TRANSITION

Mining Indaba’s sustainability series will include a panel session discussion on Tuesday at 10:55 entitled ‘The Energy Transition: What does it mean to be just?’

The discussion will centre around how Africa can take advantage of the energy transition to ensure a cleaner energy future, while at the same time considering responsible sourcing and sustained, ethical supplies of the critical minerals needed. Also under discussion will be how the continent can power the production of transition minerals while ensuring justice for employees affected through local content partnerships and the distribution of mining benefits.

Speakers for this all-important panel are Responsible Minerals Initiative senior director, Impact, Innovation and credibility Fabiana Di Lorenzo, Newmont senior director: environmental affairs-Africa business unit Paul Sowley, Seriti Green Development South Africa CEO Peter Venn, The Particle Group & Women in Mining South Africa CEO and chairperson Raksha Naidoo and Standard Bank South Africa head of sustainable finance Sasha Cook. The discussion will be moderated by Deloitte partner: sustainability, climate change and equity Jayne Mammatt.

Africa has a large stock of green minerals that can facilitate the energy transition. What is key is understanding the steps needed to ensure that Africa will benefit from supplying these minerals to the world.

Meanwhile, global spending on the clean-energy transition hit record highs last year as the world moves to rein in climate change, but it’s still not enough to get on track to net-zero emissions.

Total spending surged 17% to $1.8-trillion, according to a report Tuesday from BloombergNEF. These include investments to install renewable energy, buy electric vehicles, build hydrogen production systems and deploy other technologies.

Add in the investments in building out clean-energy supply chains, as well as $900-billion in financing, and the total funding in 2023 reached about $2.8-trillion.

The record spending reflects the growing urgency of international efforts to combat climate change on the heels of the hottest year on record — and even more heat expected this year. However, the world needs to be investing more than twice as much in clean technology in order to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century.