The global population is anticipated to swell to 9 billion by 2050, necessitating increased production of safe and nutritious food. The unmistakable evidence of climate change is adversely affecting food production, ecosystem functionality, and services, while also exacerbating the degradation of soil and water resources. Meeting society’s food needs amidst these environmental shifts will demand innovative partnerships between stakeholders in Research & Development and the business sector.
Exxaro, recognising its responsibility as a conscientious corporate entity involved in the extraction of finite resources, is committed to collaborating with scientific, research, and technological advancements to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. This collaboration represents a pivotal link between science, business, and sustainable development. Conversely, the ARC/Ekim Wildlife Centre of Excellence is dedicated to spearheading research-driven solutions to address the complex challenges and obstacles confronting Exxaro and the broader mining industry regarding sustainable development.
Through this partnership, Exxaro, ARC, and the EKIM Wildlife Centre of Excellence will collaborate to advance environmental and social impact initiatives, climate change adaptation, and mitigation strategies in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) priorities. Additionally, the collaboration aims to cultivate human capital by promoting economic growth through community-based agricultural enterprises.
Key initiatives under this partnership include:
- Collection and propagation of indigenous grasses and legume species for post-mining rehabilitation.
- Baseline studies for local economic development aligned with social and labour plans, encompassing bush encroachment management through fodder creation, biochar, and charcoal for sustainable land use.
- Carbon monitoring in rangelands with implications for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Commercialisation of the game industry to optimise Exxaro’s resources.
- Commercialisation of the beef and goat industries as socio-economic stimuli.
“We are thrilled to partner with both Exxaro and the Ekim Wildlife Centre of Excellence to drive impactful change in the mining industry,” said Dr Julius Tjelele, ARC’s Animal Production Research Team Manager specialising in Range and Forage Sciences. “By combining our expertise in scientific research with Exxaro’s commitment to sustainability, we will work towards a future where mining operations are environmentally responsible and socially beneficial.”