Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwean mining company Padenga Holdings is moving to embed environmental, social, and governance principles across its operations, particularly within its mining ventures at Eureka and Pickstone Peerless Mines.
This commitment is highlighted by performance metrics on tailings dam safety, a focus on resource efficiency, and community upliftment initiatives, as detailed in the company’s latest Sustainability Report, which is part of the 2024 Annual Report. Padenga is actively addressing environmental impacts by focusing on key operational factors, including diesel and electricity consumption, and tailings storage facility (TSF) management.
Safety and design compliance for TSFs are critical, with the company aiming to meet statutory and best practice requirements.
The TSF data shows Padenga is closely monitoring key parameters. At Eureka, the TSF is operating with a freeboard of 1,97 metres on phase 3 and phase 4, which is a crucial safety measure.
At Pickstone, the freeboard is recorded at 2,32 metres on Dam 1 and Dam 2, and 4,54 metres on Dam 4. Energy efficiency is cited as both an economic and environmental priority.
The company has stated its intent to adopt renewable energy sources, such as solar, and is implementing energy-efficient technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs.
The data shows mixed usage across the mines, reflecting operational changes like the ramp-up at Eureka and the commencement of underground mining at Pickstone Peerless.
For instance, Pickstone Peerless’ diesel consumption soared by 212,3 percent in 2024, driven by the move to underground operations and increased generator usage due to low grid availability in the final quarter.
Similarly, electricity consumption at Pickstone nearly doubled, rising by 97,19 percent, due to the hoisting activities associated with underground mining.
Conversely, the ramp-up at Eureka Mine, which was commissioned in financial year 2021, led to a 39.02 percent increase in its diesel consumption in 2024.
The company is also committed to water management, implementing projects to improve water-use efficiency and reduce the discharge of pollutants, and is monitoring its tailings management plans throughout their entire lifecycle.
Padenga’s ESG strategy aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on education, employment, and community infrastructure.
The company emphasises fair and productive employment and prioritises the health and safety of its entire workforce.
It actively supports local economies by confirming that a “significant proportion of employees are employed from local communities” at both mines, reinforcing local economic inclusion.
This includes supporting education by funding upgrades at a local school, donating books, and running apprenticeships and vocational training centres.
In terms of infrastructure, Padenga has invested in the drilling of boreholes in communities and public road infrastructure rehabilitation. The company also has initiatives in place to preserve local cultural and natural heritage, ensuring they are “not lost due to mining operations.”
Regarding governance and business resilience, Padenga is actively monitoring and reporting on sustainability-related risks and opportunities across its operations, affirming its commitment to transparency and careful waste management throughout its lifecycle.
Padenga’s data demonstrates a clear commitment to integrating sustainability. While operational growth has led to increased energy consumption in some areas, the company is mitigating these impacts through investment in renewable energy and by actively contributing to the welfare and infrastructure of its host communities.
This column showcases how Zimbabwean businesses are innovating in sustainability, community development, and ethical leadership. We invite business leaders, sustainability officers, and ESG champions from across all sectors to share their stories and insights with our readers.
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