- 62% reduction in diesel usage at the Blanket Mine
- 14% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions
- 18% of total water consumption consisted of recycled water
- Paid $19.2 million in government payments
- Increased corporate social responsibility from $0.9 million in 2022 to $1.5 million
Harare- Caledonia Mining Corporation has made significant strides in promoting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and corporate governance in 2023 by having slashed diesel usage by 62% as part of its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
A key initiative contributing to this reduction was the installation of a 12-megawatt solar plant at the Blanket Mine in 2022. The US$14 million solar plant covers close to 30% of the mine's electricity demands, improving the quality and security of the electricity supply while reducing the mine's environmental impact.
In its 2023 ESG report, Caledonia highlighted further progress.
The company reported a 14% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by the organization, such as emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, and vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling.
Additionally, 18% of Caledonia's total water consumption consisted of recycled water.
To reinforce its commitment to ESG and responsible operations, Caledonia appointed Colleen Parkins as the Head of ESG, a new management-level position.
"I am pleased to present Caledonia's fourth annual ESG report, and our first prepared in line with the GRI, increasing the robustness of our ESG-linked disclosures and overall transparency," said Mark Learmonth, Caledonia's CEO. "This was one of several steps taken in 2023 to reinforce our commitment to ESG and responsible operations."
Learmonth further highlighted the 14% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, made possible by the installation of the 12.2 MWac solar plant, which has decreased the company's reliance on the local grid and diesel generators.
Caledonia maintains a strong focus on local employment and procurement, with 100% local employment at the Blanket Mine and 92% local suppliers. The company has also increased its corporate social responsibility spending at the Blanket Mine, from $0.9 million in 2022 to $1.5 million in 2023, and paid a total of $19.2 million in government payments.
As the second-largest gold producer in Zimbabwe, Caledonia is well-positioned to become the largest gold asset in the country once the Bilboes Mine, currently on maintenance, resumes operations.
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