Conserving natural resources and mitigating impacts
air quality management

Ambient air quality is monitored at our operations via a network of ambient monitoring stations

Our management approach to air quality

The most significant air quality emission for the Group relates to the sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from our smelting and refining operations in Rustenburg, Springs and Zimplats. The South African operations are subject to the Air Quality Act and adhere to the requirements of legislative developments. In Zimbabwe, legislation for air quality was introduced in 2009, governing the issuing of emission licences. Our objective is to ensure that we comply with all licence requirements. A renewal application for an air emissions licence (AEL) for our Rustenburg operations was submitted and finalisation is pending; the operation also submitted a requested air impact assessment to support its renewal application. An AEL for Refineries operations has been approved. Both our Rustenburg and Refineries operations are located within the priority areas as promulgated by the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act.

Ambient air quality is monitored at our operations via a network of ambient monitoring stations. These monitoring stations measure SO₂, NO₂ and particulate matter and provide an indication of ambient air quality levels and associated trends.

Our 2014 performance on air quality

At Impala Rustenburg, Refineries and Zimplats, average daily SO₂ emissions are calculated daily. Rustenburg's SO₂ emissions dramatically decreased throughout the second half of the year mainly due to the prolonged strike action.

This year, total direct Group emissions of SO₂ were 30 735 tonnes, up from our emissions of 18 536 tonnes in 2013. Our Zimplats operations contributed 84.5% of total direct SO₂ emissions, while Rustenburg and Refineries operations contributed 12.1% and 3.3% respectively. The significant increase in SO₂ emissions was as a consequence of the Zimplats phase 2 expansions, a 33% increase in sulphur in concentrate with increased production levels as well as improved laboratory assays. Due to the recalibration of the XRF analysis machine in July 2013, a significant SO₂ increase was realised. As such year-on-year figures are not comparable. Indirect SOx amounted to 24 665 tonnes and indirect NOx amounted to 12 107 tonnes. Further details on the SO₂ emissions at each of our operations over the past five years are provided in the performance table here. Daily ambient standards exceedances were all within the allowable exceedance frequency.

Total direct SO2 emitted (t)

% direct SO2 emissions     Rustenburg 13% Reneries 3% Zimplats 84%

We have prioritised addressing the Zimplats SO₂ output to align with Group standards. We aim to complete a feasibility study for the Zimplats SO₂ abatement plant in 2015 for construction to begin in 2016. The estimated cost of the SO₂ abatement scrubber is US$80 million.