Page 36 - Bullion World Volume 04 Issue 08 August 2023

Bullion World | Volume 3 | Issue 8 | August 2023

Sustainability in the Gold Industry:

Exploring a Path to Responsible Practices

Mr Shubham Kumar, Manager, Eventell Global Advisory Pvt. Ltd.

In our ongoing exploration of sustainability in the gold industry, we now turn our attention to the crucial stage of refining.
Refining plays a vital role in transforming mined raw materials into pure, refined gold ready for use. However, this
process comes with its own environmental, social and governance considerations.
In this second article of our series, we dive into the world of refining, uncovering the efforts made by key stakeholders
to foster responsible practices. Refineries are recognizing the importance of sustainability and embracing measures to
minimize their environmental footprint. By implementing innovative technologies and stringent environmental standards,
refineries are making strides towards a more sustainable and responsible gold industry.

Through this exploration, we aim to provide valuable insights into the progress being made and the ongoing efforts to
create a more sustainable refining sector.

Environmental Initiatives

Companies/ Climate Change Water Stewardship Biodiversity Waste Environmental
Initiatives Mitigation Conservation Management Compliance
Rand Refinery Reduce Scope 1 Reduced the plant’s Electricity reduced Certified zero ISO 14001 certification.
(South Africa) and 2 gas by circa water consumption from 33 000 MWh effluent discharge
15% of from approximately to 27 000 MWh, a (ZED) site. Zero non-compliance
(Sustainability CO2eq. 1500kl to 1000kl. 15% year-on-year with environmental
report 2021) decline. laws or regulations.
Reduce water
intake by 25% by
2026.
Valcambi SA Reduction in direct 77% reduction in Contract with AGE 100% recyclable ISO 14001 certification.
(Switzerland) CO2 emissions by water consumption SA for waste collection
10%. after installing the procurement by specialized & Zero non-compliance
(Sustainability water saving of electricity, which legal recycling with environmental
report 2021) Installation of a 70 projects. comes from companies. laws or regulations.
kWp photovoltaic Swiss
system for an hydroelectricity.
estimated annual
production of
79’100 kWh.
TANAKA Aim for Carbon ISO 14001 Increased plantation Continuous Zero environmental
(Japan) Neutral before certification. on the river bed of reduction of accidents reported.
2050. Tsurumi River in industrial waste
(Sustainability Rainfall Yokohama emission by 1% Photovoltaic power
report 2022) Reducing per management every year generation system.
unit energy system across all
consumption by 1% the plants.
every year.
MMTC PAMP Increase in 20% decrease Other waste zero-discharge Clearance from
(India) renewable energy in groundwater generation facility and all the Haryana State
by 50%. consumption. decreased by 23%. effluent Pollution Control
(Sustainability 70 % of total generated is treated Boards (HSPCBs) for
report) 19% decrease water usage and re-used. air, water and
in Scope 1 & 2 accounts for hazardous waste.
emission. processed water.

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