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In-coming Exxaro head says short-term goal will be to focus on coal

9th October 2015

By: Anine Kilian

Contributing Editor Online

  

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There was a strong link between the resources industry in South Africa and the global community, and business sustainability was about remaining globally relevant, Exxaro Resources CEO designate Mxolisi Mgojo said at the Sustainability in the Resource Industry Summit that was hosted by consulting agency Blank Canvas in Johannesburg, Gauteng, last month.

He noted that the Operation Mining Phakisa Lab – set to begin this month – would identify a set of concrete problems that were limiting the growth and developmental impact of the mining sector, as well as potential solutions.

The mining portion of Operation Phakisa follows the deployment of initiatives in the oceans economy and health sectors. The lab will address the same themes as other initiatives, focusing on fast-paced and results-driven growth through collaboration among the public and private sectors, academia and civil society organisations regarding the planning and execution of projects to deal with the challenges in the mining sector.

It aims to unlock investment in exploration and mining activities and ensure that development of the economy, workforce and mining communities takes place.

“[The mining industry] must decide on a course of direction to achieve tangible results: the benefits of engagement include proactively managing risks, such as the potential for a water crisis and the current electricity crisis [that the industry] is facing,” he said, adding that the environmental impacts of the resources industry must be discussed and managed through rehabilitation programmes.

He cited that engagement would enable industry to share risks and opportunities accordingly.

Exxaro’s Efforts

Mgojo emphasised Exxaro’s ambitions of being a diversified mining business, noting that its short-term goal was to focus on its coal business: “We are looking at a simpler business model and structure, continuing to ensure reliable supply of coal for electricity generation.”

He added that the company foresees a more automated mining industry that required less human interface.

“Safety is critical, and the industry needs to limit the exposure of people to orebodies,” Mgojo said.

He also highlighted the New Exxaro Tomorrow (NXXT) programme, which is part of the company’s 2030 vision to actualise its sustainability vision and mission, noting that sustainability was the single-biggest source of competitive advantage to any company in the future.

The Exxaro business philosophy includes four strategic objectives – demonstrating responsibility and accountability, developing Exxaro’s leaders and people, achieving operational and financial excellence, and improving Exxaro’s portfolio.

“It is Exxaro’s view that you cannot be sustainable if you do not build from the bottom up as a principle,” he said, adding that Exxaro’s business philosophy recognised that the company exists in the context of a South African society that expected a net positive benefit from its activities.

“The heart of our ambition lies in the critical need to be different,” he concluded.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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