FOCUSESG in action:
FOCUSESG in action: Dust-A-Sidepioneers sustainability in miningAs South Africa faces the challenges ofsustainable development, the miningsector must lead with responsibility.Dust-A-Side (DAS), a leader in dustcontrol and erosion management, exemplifiesthis through robust Environmental, Social, andGovernance (ESG) initiatives, creating lasting valuewhile shaping a sustainable mining future.Environmental: conservation through innovationWater conservationIn arid mining regions, water conservation is essential.DAS’s dust-suppression technologies save millionsof litres annually, reducing reliance on traditionalwater-intensive methods. In one project, DAS cut aclient’s water usage by 90%, from 23-billion litres tojust 662-million litres. This approach mitigates waterscarcity while lowering costs.Sustainable waste managementDAS follows strict environmental protocols,repurposing non-conforming materials andpartnering with certified waste-managementfirms. With an Environmental Management Systemcertification, DAS minimises environmental impactwhile enhancing operational efficiency.Social: uplifting communitiesAdvancing women in miningDAS actively promotes gender equity, with twowomen-owned franchises and female leadershipacross departments. This inclusivity drivesinnovation and improves company performance.Education investmentsThrough its Ga-Tshaba Tlakana Primary SchoolUpliftment Programme, DAS enhances learningenvironments with clean water, playgroundsand infrastructure. Additionally, it invests overR1-million annually in bursaries for students inengineering, healthcare and law, fostering SouthAfrica’s future workforce.Community infrastructureDAS applies its road stabilisation expertise toimprove rural connectivity, delivering projectsacross regions from Ghana to South Africa’sNorthern Cape. Closer to home, DAS repairedpotholes and provided water relief duringBethal’s water crisis, showcasing its dedication tocommunity well-being.Governance: integrity at the coreStrong governance underpins DAS’s ESG practices,with board-level oversight ensuring alignment withthe highest standards of accountability. Policieson diversity, anti-corruption and stakeholderengagement ensure that DAS creates long-termvalue and positive societal impact.Leading by exampleDust-A-Side demonstrates how mining can addresssocietal and environmental challenges while drivingprogress. By conserving water, empowering women,investing in education and strengthening governance,DAS sets a standard for sustainable mining.DAS’s efforts exemplify a commitment totransforming mining in South Africa, Africa andbeyond – for a better tomorrow. ■CONTACT DETAILSMenlyn Piazza 2nd Floor, Cnr Glen Manor and Louis Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria, South AfricaServicing: Africa, Australia, South America | Phone: +27 12 648 8900 | Fax: +27 12 665 3456 | Website: www.dustaside.comSOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 202550
Clear roads, safer pathDust-A-Side’s road-binding project in the Northern Cape sets the benchmark forbalancing operational efficiency with the well-being of local communities.The condition of key roadways inthe Northern Cape has long been asource of concern for commuters andthe mining industry alike. Severelydeteriorated sections – marred by corrugation,embedded stones and loose material – havecreated hazardous driving conditions. These issuesgenerate excessive dust emissions, reduce visibilityand compromise road safety for all who rely onthese routes.The consequences have been far-reaching.The poor state of the roads increases the risk ofaccidents and drives up vehicle maintenance andfuel costs for users. Moreover, the delays caused bythese conditions disrupt the flow of light vehiclesand heavy delivery trucks, stifling local economicactivity. For the mining industry, which dependsheavily on road transport for mineral logistics due tothe unreliability of railway networks, this challenge isparticularly urgent.Recognising the critical need for intervention,a mine in the Northern Cape stepped forward toaddress the issue. It undertook proactive measuresto improve and maintain a vital stretch of road,prioritising employee safety, community well-being,and environmental impact while awaiting a longtermsolution.Following rigorous testing and approvalprocesses, DASBio demonstrated superiorperformance, significantly improving roadconditions and safety. DASBio, a premiumemulsified bitumen-lignosulphonate-based binderwas chosen to effectively bind and seal the road’ssurface against wind and water erosion, as well asdust emissions caused by traffic.Dust-A-Side’s implementation strategy includedsystematic establishment and maintenanceprotocols each day on a predetermined stretchof road, involving defect correction, blade mixing,compaction and sealing. Maintenance activities werescheduled on weekends, with adjustments made forweather conditions such as rainfall. The project teamexecuted the project with minimal traffic disruptions,thanks to the presence of clear signage and welltrainedtraffic management personnel.Transformative resultsThe results have been transformative. Manycommuters have reported safer journeysand significant time savings. Furthermore,the project’s success has underscored theimportance of innovative approaches to roadmanagement in mining regions, setting aprecedent for future initiatives.This project is a testament to public-privatepartnership projects, having positively impactedcommuters and other users, and also demonstrateda commitment to sustainable communitydevelopment, environmental stewardship andthe well-being of local communities..■51SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025
