FOCUS ESG in action:
FOCUS ESG in action: Dust-A-Side pioneers sustainability in mining As South Africa faces the challenges of sustainable development, the mining sector must lead with responsibility. Dust-A-Side (DAS), a leader in dust control and erosion management, exemplifies this through robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, creating lasting value while shaping a sustainable mining future. Environmental: conservation through innovation Water conservation In arid mining regions, water conservation is essential. DAS’s dust-suppression technologies save millions of litres annually, reducing reliance on traditional water-intensive methods. In one project, DAS cut a client’s water usage by 90%, from 23-billion litres to just 662-million litres. This approach mitigates water scarcity while lowering costs. Sustainable waste management DAS follows strict environmental protocols, repurposing non-conforming materials and partnering with certified waste-management firms. With an Environmental Management System certification, DAS minimises environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Social: uplifting communities Advancing women in mining DAS actively promotes gender equity, with two women-owned franchises and female leadership across departments. This inclusivity drives innovation and improves company performance. Education investments Through its Ga-Tshaba Tlakana Primary School Upliftment Programme, DAS enhances learning environments with clean water, playgrounds and infrastructure. Additionally, it invests over R1-million annually in bursaries for students in engineering, healthcare and law, fostering South Africa’s future workforce. Community infrastructure DAS applies its road stabilisation expertise to improve rural connectivity, delivering projects across regions from Ghana to South Africa’s Northern Cape. Closer to home, DAS repaired potholes and provided water relief during Bethal’s water crisis, showcasing its dedication to community well-being. Governance: integrity at the core Strong governance underpins DAS’s ESG practices, with board-level oversight ensuring alignment with the highest standards of accountability. Policies on diversity, anti-corruption and stakeholder engagement ensure that DAS creates long-term value and positive societal impact. Leading by example Dust-A-Side demonstrates how mining can address societal and environmental challenges while driving progress. By conserving water, empowering women, investing in education and strengthening governance, DAS sets a standard for sustainable mining. DAS’s efforts exemplify a commitment to transforming mining in South Africa, Africa and beyond - for a better tomorrow. ■ CONTACT DETAILS Menlyn Piazza 2nd Floor, Cnr Glen Manor and Louis Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria, South Africa Servicing: Africa, Australia, South America | Phone: +27 12 648 8900 | Fax: +27 12 665 3456 | Website: www.dustaside.com SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025 50
Clear roads, safer path Dust-A-Side’s road-binding project in the Northern Cape sets the benchmark for balancing operational efficiency with the well-being of local communities. The condition of key roadways in the Northern Cape has long been a source of concern for commuters and the mining industry alike. Severely deteriorated sections - marred by corrugation, embedded stones and loose material - have created hazardous driving conditions. These issues generate excessive dust emissions, reduce visibility and compromise road safety for all who rely on these routes. The consequences have been far-reaching. The poor state of the roads increases the risk of accidents and drives up vehicle maintenance and fuel costs for users. Moreover, the delays caused by these conditions disrupt the flow of light vehicles and heavy delivery trucks, stifling local economic activity. For the mining industry, which depends heavily on road transport for mineral logistics due to the unreliability of railway networks, this challenge is particularly urgent. Recognising the critical need for intervention, a mine in the Northern Cape stepped forward to address the issue. It undertook proactive measures to improve and maintain a vital stretch of road, prioritising employee safety, community well-being, and environmental impact while awaiting a longterm solution. Following rigorous testing and approval processes, DASBio demonstrated superior performance, significantly improving road conditions and safety. DASBio, a premium emulsified bitumen-lignosulphonate-based binder was chosen to effectively bind and seal the road’s surface against wind and water erosion, as well as dust emissions caused by traffic. Dust-A-Side’s implementation strategy included systematic establishment and maintenance protocols each day on a predetermined stretch of road, involving defect correction, blade mixing, compaction and sealing. Maintenance activities were scheduled on weekends, with adjustments made for weather conditions such as rainfall. The project team executed the project with minimal traffic disruptions, thanks to the presence of clear signage and welltrained traffic management personnel. Transformative results The results have been transformative. Many commuters have reported safer journeys and significant time savings. Furthermore, the project’s success has underscored the importance of innovative approaches to road management in mining regions, setting a precedent for future initiatives. This project is a testament to public-private partnership projects, having positively impacted commuters and other users, and also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable community development, environmental stewardship and the well-being of local communities..■ 51 SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025
