Reducing greenhouse gases in South Africa

Harmony’s decarbonisation strategy is guiding our operations to net zero GHG emissions by 2045 with a transition pathway. The pathway includes energy efficiency, portfolio re-engineering, improving our electricity mix, adaptation and decarbonising our transportation sector. This ensures we effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the global shift to a low-carbon economy. We are intent on also addressing our supply chain, albeit that it is only 18% of our emissions profile.

The first step on our journey to net zero is to reduce GHG emissions through operational efficiency initiatives such as switching to renewable energy and neutralising our carbon footprint by using land under our control for carbon removal where other means of emission reduction are not feasible. Our decarbonisation strategy is facilitating this journey while Harmony pursues growth objectives.

We are developing several renewable energy projects across our South African footprint. Phase 1 of this programme, supplying 30MW of solar power through an independent power producer, is complete with installations at Tshepong, Nyala and Eland commissioned in May 2023. The second phase, constructing 137MW of photovoltaic electricity generating plants at various Harmony operations, began simultaneously with a view to commissioning in FY25.

Apart from reducing GHG emissions and positioning Harmony as a leader in the global race to decarbonisation, incentives driving our renewable energy programme include cost savings through purchasing less grid electricity from our constrained supplier, Eskom.

We are also re-engineering our portfolio through strategic, value-accretive acquisitions. Harmony allocates capital to projects that contribute to decarbonisation and address climate challenges. This includes leveraging our gold and copper reserves so that Harmony is able to supply growing demand for copper and silver used in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Our reputation as a socially and environmentally responsible mining company is reinforced by working with the Federation for a Sustainable Environment to build our host communities’ resilience to the impacts of climate change.