We are committed to responsible development and continuous improvement. We apply the precautionary principle in all of our planning. Thorough environmental and social impact assessments have assisted us in developing robust management systems, policies, plans and procedures all aimed at minimizing adverse impacts and maximizing opportunities for sustainable investments.
Our commitments are set out in our Environmental Policy, which we review every two years (last updated in February 2019) and Environmental Management and Closure Plans (updated in 2019 and again in 2020).
We promote environmental education and awareness in our operations and our local communities. We expect our employees, contractors and visitors will behave and conduct themselves in ways that protect the environment and actively seek to mitigate potential adverse impacts to the environment, through effective and efficient waste management, water use, energy use and biodiversity conservation practices.
From our Environmental Policy:
- Conduct all our activities in compliance with our EMP, applicable laws, legislation and other requirements providing for the protection of the environment, employees and the communities affected by our operations;
- Apply high standards in the absence of legislation or more stringent criteria (guided by the Equator Principles and International Financial Corporations Guidelines) than those required by law where Graig Botswana believes these are needed, to advance environmental protection and to minimize environmental risks;
- Integrate the management of environmental, social, cultural and economic issues into company business practices and planning;
- Protect the environment through the wise use of resources and prevention of adverse environmental impacts, including pollution prevention;
- Implement, maintain and improve management systems and programs to achieve effective and efficient waste management, water use, energy use, biodiversity conservation, and implementation of our closure plan and to continually improve environmental performance through a process of regular reviews;
- Communicate openly with government authorities, employees, local communities and the public to foster mutual understanding of Boteti’s environmental commitments and performance.
UN GC Principles - Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Team
We have strengthened our Sustainability Department at Graig, which manages and monitors our environmental performance, with the newly created Sustainability Coordinator (2019) position and an additional Environmental Officer (2020).
Energy
- Our Energy Efficiency Program continues to identify opportunities to reduce our energy use. One example, in 2019 haul roads were re-graded to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
- In 2019 a study was undertaken to explore alternative energy sources such as solar PV.
- In 2020 we are reviewing our commitments and setting goals and targets under each of the ten SDGs.
Water
Water is a precious resource and at Graig Botswana we are continually exploring and improving our conservation programs. Water is recovered after processing from our tailings storage facility and returned to the process plant for continued use.
Excess water is provided to neighbouring companies. Studies are being undertaken to explore opportunities to provide excess water to local villages.
Biodivesity
While the Graig Diamond Mine is located in an area that is considered to have little biodiversity, an Biodiversity Action Plan was developed to assist the company in managing potential impacts.
Progressive reclamation and maintenance of green space around the mine will assist us in the future during decommissioning.