Environmental Stewardship
Protecting Our
Natural World
Our commitment to environmental protection and responsible resource management is unwavering. We adopt a proactive approach to minimising our ecological footprint across the entire lifecycle of the Karo Platinum Project. This commitment is reflected in the integration of robust environmental management systems and our aim to not only meet, but exceed, regulatory requirements.
We are dedicated to preserving biodiversity, managing natural resources sustainably, and actively mitigating climate impact for the benefit of future generations.
Foundations of
Responsible Development
The integrity of the Karo Platinum Project’s environmental performance is built upon rigorous Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), ensuring that all potential environmental and social risks are identified and effectively managed before development.
To date, four ESIAs have been successfully completed, covering:
- Mining operations, processing plant, and Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)
- Project power supply
- Project water supply
- Construction of a 5 million m³ dam on the Chirundazi River
Translocation of protected aloes
All ESIAs comply with the Zimbabwean Environmental Management Act and meet International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards. Certificates have been issued for the mine and plant, power and water supply, and the Chirundazi dam.
Non-Technical Summaries for the Mine & Plant ESIA and the Chirundazi Dam ESIA are available for public access, reflecting our commitment to transparency.
Equator principles
In line with the most recent Equator Principles, Karo has commissioned:
- A Climate Transition Risk Analysis.
- A Human Rights Assessment
These studies support our mission to align with global standards for responsible project finance.
Ensuring Continuous
Environmental Performance
The insights from our ESIAs and associated studies form the foundation of a robust Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). This system ensures that:
- Potential environmental and community impacts are identified and effectively mitigated.
- The success of mitigation measures is continuously monitored, reviewed, and improved.
Key areas of focus within our ESMS include:
Water Management and Conservation
Implementing measures to protect and optimise the use of water resources.
Air Quality Monitoring:
Maintaining continuous surveillance to ensure compliance with air emission and Noise standards.
Waste Management and Recycling:
Establishing systems to reduce waste generation and maximise material recovery.
Biodiversity Protection and Rehabilitation:
Planning and executing programmes to safeguard local ecosystems and species of conservation concern.
Progress with the implementation of this system is monitored both by the Environmental Management Agency in Zimbabwe and an Independent Environment and Social Consultant