THE Umbogintwini Industrial Association (UIA) met at a general forum meeting on 30 October.
The purpose of the stakeholders meeting is to report on progress and share future plans with those interested or affected by the industrial complex.
One of the UIA’s roles is to promote a culture of continuous improvement in safety health and environmental performances. Heartland Leasing is working towards a coal to gas conversion whereby steam will be produced by gas instead of coal.
Some residents expressed concern at the heavy truck loads brought into the surrounding area of the Umbogintwini Industrial complex. UIA chairman Ewan Alanthwaite explained during the forum that the bulk of coal comes in by road. With the gas to coal conversion, heavy duty vehicles will be reduced on site as well as on the roads leading to the complex.
From an environmental perspective, Heartland Leasing will not have to dispose of coal ash. The gas to coal conversion will also reduce SO2 emissions almost to zero and CO2 emissions will reduce by 40%.
