Collaboration is key to solving the big challenges being faced world- wide at the moment, said Anglo American Zimele chief investment manager Dr Lia Vangelatos at the launch of the Zimele Green Fund last week.

Vangelatos said the future success of the country would require making a difference to vital economic growth, job creation and environmental emissions, which could not be done by one community, one company or one country alone.

She added that the company had an enterprise development method that worked and was sustainable. “We would love other mining companies to take on the same method of enterprise development we are working with – with mining companies such as BHP Billiton, Xstrata and many others, as well as government organisations – to share our method of enterprise development and job creation.”

Department of Water and Environmental Affairs director-general Nosipho Ngcaba, who attended the launch of the Green Fund, agreed, and said that many people could not understand why a developing country, such as South Africa, was focusing on issues such as climate change.

“South Africa is not an innocent party in climate change and it is imperative that we contribute to making a global effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, as one country alone will not be able to make a difference . . . a collective effort needs to be made,” she added.

Mining giant Anglo American has committed R100-million over seven years to its Zimele Green Fund.

Vangelatos told Mining Weekly at the launch that the amount could be increased if there were sufficient enterprises and buy-in from partnerships.

The development capital fund will target investment opportunities that mitigate carbon, reduce energy and water consumption, as well as improve waste and emissions management.

It will also focus on developing and funding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that promote and develop environmentally sustainable projects.

“This will enable communities to both respond to key environmental challenges, such as climate change and water security, and take advantage of opportunities in the green economy,” said Zimele MD Nick van Rensburg at the launch.

The fund will create further platforms for talented entrepreneurs and SMEs, as the company has already established four other enterprise development funds.

Van Rensburg said the Green Fund demonstrated Anglo American’s commitment to the environment.

He added that the company aimed to operate in a safe, responsible and sustain- able way by minimising its environmental impact and taking advantage of opportunities that delivered long-term benefits to stakeholders.

“The Green Fund is an essential part of this strategy as it will facilitate new investments in projects which yield both environmental and economic benefits and encourage a greener way of thinking among the South African population,” said Van Rensburg.

Zimele will move ten of its already established investments to the Green Fund and will be searching for more green investments.

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