FOCUS Bringing power to
FOCUS Bringing power to the community Marula’s electrification project will light up more than 500 houses. In his “From the Desk of the President” column at the beginning of July 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that mining is vital to the South Africa economy and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. He encouraged the nation to “grasp the opportunities that exist in this sector so that mining can help guide our path to a more inclusive and equitable economy”. As one of the first operations to have been developed on the relatively under-exploited eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, it is through the mine’s core activities that Marula mine can employ people, pay taxes and procure goods and services from host communities, contributing to the economy of the greater Sekhukhune District and the Limpopo Province. However, rooted in the overarching vision of ensuring the long-term sustainability of communities beyond mine closure, Marula mine also contributes tens of millions of rands every year to boost socioeconomic development in its local communities. Marula’s social investment strategy rests on two key pillars: the mine’s social and labour plan (SLP) and local economic development (LED) commitments, both of which form part of the country’s mining legislative framework, and which aim to drive transformation in the industry and the country. Projects are identified following a needs analysis of impacted communities and engagement with stakeholders such as the local municipality, formal community structures and traditional leaders. The social impact and broadbased benefit are key factors when considering each project. The bulk of Marula mine’s spend is focused on infrastructure development in its four farm communities. These projects include school infrastructure upgrades, a community hall, water projects, community access bridges and a R21- million upgrade to community access roads. The mine’s electrification project, which is bringing electricity to local communities for the first time, has already enabled over 430 houses to switch the lights on and electrification is planned for a further 120 houses in the next phases of the project. In line with Marula mine’s policy which seeks to appoint local contractors and requires contractors to offer employment to local community members, the benefit of the electrification project is felt beyond those who now have power in their homes. It is through projects such as these that Marula mine supports President Ramaphosa’s vision of building a more inclusive and equitable economy. ■ Contact details Alice Lourens, Group Head: Investor Relations and Corporate Communication Tel: +27 11 731 9033 E-mail: alice.lourens@implats.co.za LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2021/22 36
Creating a better future …through the way we do business Developing and caring for host communities Caring for and supporting our environment Bringing long-term growth and opportunity Providing meaningful employment Creating value for our stakeholders This is our PURPOSE To improve the lives of future generations Coolead 18624
