Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
LISTED gold mining entity, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc has enhanced its sustainability reporting to align with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the first time.
The development reflects the company’s sustainable business principles and significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management in its corporate strategy.
Caledonia Mining Corporation
In a statement announcing the publication of its 2023 ESG Report, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Mark Learmonth said they have appointed a head of ESG.
“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. This was one of several steps taken in 2023 to reinforce our commitment to ESG and responsible operations,” he said.
“We also appointed Colleen Parkins as Head of ESG, a new management level position at Caledonia, ensuring that ESG is fully integrated into our everyday discussions and decision making.”
He said a major operational highlight in 2023 was the substantial 14 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, this was made possible following the installation of their 12.2 megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar plant, which has decreased their reliance on both the local grid and diesel generators.
Mr Learmonth said they regard operating in Zimbabwe as exciting both in terms of geological and human potential and have long recognised that operating responsibly is not just a moral obligation, but a business imperative.
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“As our sustainability processes and data capturing mature, we are confident that we will be able to develop emission reduction targets backed up by climate science and geographic realities. While proud of the progress made to date, we know there remains more to do, and we look forward to further updating you in our next report on our progress on our continued efforts to operate responsibly and sustainably while maximising benefits for our stakeholders,” he added.
In terms of the 2023 highlights, Caledonia said on environment there was 14 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, 62 percent reduction in diesel used in generators and 18 percent of total water consumption consisting of recycled water.
In health and safety, the company said total injury frequency rate (TIFR) of was 0.96 compared to 0.75 in 2022, while 505 employees completed safety training programmes.
Caledonia said: “In supporting local communities, there is 100 percent local employment at Blanket Mine and 92 percent local suppliers, US$1.5 million was spent on corporate social responsibility at Blanket Mine compared to US$0.9 million in 2022. US$19.2 million total payments was made to the Government in 2023 as well as in 2022.”
On diversity and inclusion, the company said US$147,038 was spent on community support for women, there was 11 percent female representation on the board of directors, while this has risen to 25 percent in 2024.
It also said there is 33 percent female representation among senior corporate management.
