For the second year running, Newmont Africa’s Ahafo South mine in Ghana has been recognised for exceptional performance in its decarbonisation efforts, receiving carbon credit recognition recently from its tyre management and retreading partner Kal Tire via its Maple Program for saving 121 tCO2e (120,518 kg) through retreading and avoiding the use of 3,896 litres of oil in 2022.
As responsible stewards of the environment, Newmont says it has embedded energy efficiency and climate targets into its corporate business strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. In line with the company’s carbon neutral targets, Ahafo South has identified numerous annual projects to help deliver on its commitments.
In 2021, Ahafo South saved 110 tCO2e (109,678 kg) by retreading 34 tyres as an alternative to purchasing new equivalent products. This initiative represented 12% of the total retreadable fleet and the company avoided using 3,083 litres (19 barrels) of oil on the manufacture of new tires. The mine’s 2022 carbon credit represents a 10% improvement over 2021.
Climate change, and its effects on the world, continues to be one of the greatest global challenges, with substantial risks for the future of mining operations. “At Newmont, the management of climate-related risks to our operations, host communities and society remain a key priority. Our role is to recognise and mitigate the direct impacts of mining activities on the environment – but climate change also poses a significant risk to the mining industry and host communities. We have a responsibility, in partnership with stakeholders, to effect the kind of change that will help preserve the future,” said Alex Annin, General Manager of the Ahafo South mine.
The company has established a dedicated Energy & Decarbonization program and embedded emissions reduction targets into both its capital investment and business planning processes.
Ahafo South was recognised late last year for its work in this area. Annin stated: “In recognition of our sustainable and responsible environmental management efforts, the Ahafo South mine was adjudged the Best Green Mine in Ghana at the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ 8th Ghana Mining Industry Awards in December.”
