Biodiversity and conservation JSE: R182.37 +4.54% NYSE:$9.62 +1.91% GOLD:$2 681/oz +0.17% GOLD:R1 618 961/kg -0.58% USD:ZARR18.78 -0.76% At 16:39pm, 15 Jan 2025 Home » Sustainability » Environment » Biodiversity and conservation Our efforts to prevent and mitigate biodiversity loss address climate change impacts, prevent pollution and contribute to land rehabilitation. We consistently minimise impacts to biodiversity and work towards offsetting, including addressing regulatory requirements that govern our operations. We consider ecological values and land use in our investment, operational and closure decisions. In FY24: We marked 9 971ha of land cleared of invasive alien plants since FY23 We have planted 132 191 trees to date at the toes and tops of our TSFs to manage seepage and nuisance dust fallout We planted 20 000 indigenous trees at Domain 3 plant, Deelkraal plant and Deelkraal hostel In South Africa, 3 315ha of the surface mining right area was cleared at our Kalgold, Mponeng and Kusasalethu operations In Papua New Guinea, Hidden Valley nurseries increased from two to five to facilitate revegetation trials at various altitudes In Australia, we invested over 1 000 man-hours in fauna spotter catcher activities to identify, protect and/or relocate wildlife ahead of site access improvement works Our approach We take a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation, aiming to preserve and restore vital ecosystems while promoting sustainable land use across our operating regions. We strive to exceed mere compliance with environmental conditions, focusing on achieving net positive biodiversity gains in ecologically sensitive environments. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach that includes environmental impact assessments, biodiversity management plans, and progressive rehabilitation efforts. We actively work to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems while combating land degradation through initiatives such as invasive alien plant eradication and the implementation of nature-based solutions. To strengthen our biodiversity management practices, we have partnered with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity footprint assessment. This assessment will align with the Biological Diversity Protocol and enable us to establish appropriate targets and accounting principles for biodiversity management. The initiative represents a significant step towards understanding and measuring the total impact of our mining activities on biodiversity, with the ultimate goal of achieving positive biodiversity outcomes through enhanced management approaches and targeted action plans. Regional performance South Africa Our long-life sites in South Africa implement biodiversity management plans through mine closure and environmental management plans. These plans are based on assessments and align with biodiversity disclosure projects implemented across our operations. Existing and new projects with potentially negative impacts are subject to biodiversity assessments. In FY24 our performance was as follows: We have planted 20 000 indigenous trees at Domain 3 Plant, Deelkraal Plant and Deelkraal hostel. Our efforts in preventing land degradation support the objectives of our decarbonisation strategy and align with our rehabilitation programme We removed 3 315ha of invasive alien plants, 1 370ha from Kalgold, 715ha from Mponeng and Kraalkop and 1 230ha from Kusasalethu. The removal of alien invasive plants not only allows indigenous vegetation to return, but also promotes the reintroduction of biodiversity to areas affected by mining We collaborated with an EWT working on the conservation of vulnerable species. PAPUA NEW GUINEA Our operations in Papua New Guinea are situated in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with Morobe Province hosting rich and varied habitats. At Hidden Valley, biodiversity management includes revegetation trials and regular aquatic habitat assessments, which show no significant impacts on downstream ecosystems. The area, though historically disturbed by human activities, is home to several protected species including rare tree kangaroos and the New Guinea harpy eagle. The Wafi-Golpu Project area encompasses three main forest types – floodplain (vulnerable), mixed hill and swamp forest – and hosts seven species of conservation significance. Both operations maintain comprehensive environmental management plans to protect and monitor these unique ecosystems. AUSTRALIA At Eva Copper, we have conducted comprehensive baseline biodiversity studies and pre-development assessments to inform project design and minimise environmental impacts. In FY24, we invested over 1 000 man-hours in fauna protection activities, including pre-clearance surveys and habitat relocation work. The project site, characterised by the Knapdale Range and its distinctive north-south ridgeline, provides crucial habitat for several species of conservation significance, including the vulnerable purple-necked rock wallaby. The site’s species management plan also accounts for other significant fauna such as the Carpentarian Grasswren, Gouldian Finch, and various reptile species, ensuring their protection as the project progresses towards construction and operation. Future focus areas While we anticipate the results of the biodiversity footprint assessment, we aim to continue to implement action plans in South Africa and strive for 100% implementation. Case studies Protecting vulnerable species Harmony is a proud member of an EWT working group, established to protect species of conservation concern, known as Species 15 (the name of the species is withheld due to sensitivity). Read more: Protecting vulnerable species Project planning to conserve biodiversity at Eva Copper Diversifying into Australia means that we are encountering new ecosystems that need to be conserved and protected. We are undertaking studies to understand our potential impact on a range of native ecosystems around the Eva Copper Project. Read more: Project planning to conserve biodiversity at Eva Copper Rerouting the Nooitgedacht TSF pipeline to protect biodiversity During the year, Harmony began the environmental application process for the proposed Nooitgedacht TSF. The existing planned life-of-mine for our Free State operations exceeds the capacity of the existing Free State TSFs, and the Nooitgedacht TSF will cater for this additional capacity. Read more: Rerouting the Nooitgedacht TSF pipeline to protect biodiversity Further information Discussions and data on our approach to biodiversity and conservation. ESG Report 2024 ESG data tables 2024
