Climate Action 2011-2012

North mine. The plant generates electricity from methane-rich gas that is released during underground mining operations. The plant is owned and operated by Energy
North and Capcoal in Queensland. These facilities currently generate
a combined 77 MW of power, and provide CO 2 emissions savings
equivalent to the planting of 3.6 million trees, or taking 580,000 cars
off the road.
We are, for example, working with some of the world’s leading research
institutions to develop climate change models for the regions where
we operate. These will enable us to adapt our business and to help
the communities we operate in to do the same. This work includes
projects looking at rainfall in Brazil and South Africa.
Anglo American can do a lot. And it will.
But operating where we do, we know that there are often signifi cant
differences in the social and economic development of countries.
We believe that the global community needs to take this into account
if climate change policies are to be effective and equitable.
As a major part of the South African way of life for 94 years,
we are particularly committed to this country’s future development
and prosperity.
For example, we are working with the South African Department of
Science and Technology to develop a market and local manufacturing
of fuel cells which create jobs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
At our New Denmark colliery in South Africa, we have developed a mobile
methane gas fl aring project that is now improving safety and reducing our
carbon footprint. This world-fi rst project, which costs R9 million (US$1.3
million), will reduce the mine’s annual methane emissions by 15%.
Partnerships
There’s no single answer to the issue of climate change, and it won’t
be solved by the actions of one company or one country.
It is a complicated, global issue that has to be tackled on a global basis.
This can only be done through partnership, and Anglo American works
with national and local governments, with NGOs, suppliers and with
the broader mining industry and with local people, to do what it can.
Our Platinum business has launched a R100 million (US$13.7 million)
fund to invest in platinum-based technology companies in South Africa.
Godfrey Gomwe, executive director of Anglo American South Africa says:
“Anglo American strives to work in partnership with the South African
government. Through collaboration, we can create a unifi ed framework
surrounding climate change, and cultivate workable and effective
sustainable development policies. We are committed to playing our part
in COP17 as we recognise its importance in tackling one of the defi ning
challenges of our era.”
www.angloamerican.co.za