INCREASED IMPORTANCE
The issue of sustainability in the mining industry has become more prominent over the past ten years
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Aligning mining projects in Africa with international project financing requirements, while ensuring that there is a direct link to the work conducted on the ground and that clients’ expectations are being met, can be challenging, says global consulting organisation Golder Associates head of Africa regional operations Rob Hounsome.
He notes that the nature of enforcing environmental regulations where mining companies are concerned has changed over the years, with these companies and the governments of countries in which they operate constantly reviewing environmental compliance.
Golder MD and Africa regional VP Dr Ralph Heath notes that, over the past ten years, the issue of sustainability in the mining industry has become more prominent.
“The focus on sustainability has been driven by investors, shareholders, governments and local communities, who realise that mining operations have to be under- taken in a way that mitigates negative environmental impacts.”
Hounsome further explains that, historically, a company might have considered carbon emissions and energy efficiency conceptually. However, in recent times, companies aiming to receive international financing also have to follow international investment, advisory and asset management institution the International Finance Corporation’s performance trends.
Therefore, awareness of environmental issues has developed into an essential part of a mine’s operational ethos, he says, citing mining companies being asked by local governments to use alternative or renewable energy to power their operations as an example.
Golder’s Approach
Heath points out that Golder has a reputation for its integrated approach that aims to develop new mine management techniques and comprehensive solutions, which, in turn, add value to operations and form the basis of mining operations attaining production targets.
Golder’s client base is a combination of mining majors, mining juniors and developing mining houses, he says.
“Our resource and reserve estimation services offer data validation, geological, geostatistical and financial evaluation modelling, orebody grade estimations and risk assessments, as well as compliance and resource auditing.”
Heath says Golder’s specialists provide a complete range of mining engineering services in terms of conducting feasibility studies and improving the efficiency of existing quarries, and openpit and underground operations.
“Our mining engineering services include, but are not limited to, openpit design and operation layouts, mining method selection and efficiency improvements, as well as mining method assessment and scenario modelling.”
He adds that the organisation’s mining engineering services also include detailed mine layout and design, operating and capital estimations, efficient production scheduling and engineering, procurement and construction management.
Other services offered by the company include mine geotechnics; underground and openpit mining; mining geology and grade controls; project data assurance; managing groundwater, acid mine drainage, mine waste and surface water; and mine closure and rehabilitation planning, Heath concludes.