The planned construction of Anglo American Platinum’s R2,5 billion sulphur dioxide (SO2) abatement at its Polokwane Smelter is anticipated to create over 500 construction jobs, give contract work to between 12 to 14 companies and award full-time jobs to 30 people upon completion.
The construction of the abatement got underway with a sod-turning ceremony conducted by Premier Stan Mathabatha and Anglo American Platinum Chief Executive Officer, Chris Griffith last Thursday. Griffith said the company will implement new Wet Sulphuric Acid (WSA) technology which they predict will reduce SO2 emissions by an estimated 96% in order to deliver the targeted abatement levels at the smelter. He further indicated that they started developing technical solutions for SO2 abatement in 2010 and the construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
This is in line with the implementation of the new Minimum Emissions Standards for SO2 by the Department of Environmental Affairs, he stated, adding that the WSA process captures SO2 gas from the furnace and converts it to sulphuric acid.
Griffith said “We strive to continue minimising environmental impacts through innovative approaches as we recognise the value and scarcity of our country’s natural resources, and this technology will ensure that the operations meet both the Group’s air quality standard goals as well as international best practice standards.”
When addressing attendees, Mathabatha emphasised that they appreciate the company’s commitment to reduce SO2 impact on the environment and communities.
The Millennium Development Goal 7 directs people to ensure environmental sustainability and this requires everyone to ensure that natural resources base and ecosystems are managed sustainably to ensure that people’s food requirements and other social, economic, and environmental needs are sufficiently met, he explained. Mathabatha concluded by saying the success of a project of this nature is largely dependent on the partnership between the mining industry, the mining communities and government.
Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
