Driving projects to rehabilitate the environment after mining has been one of our greatest achievements in the year that was. We look forward to advancing our rehabilitation projects in the year ahead, balancing our production targets with meeting environmental obligations. We moved swiftly to begin rehabilitating at Phalanndwa Extension in Delmas after mining operations at the site ceased. Soon, the area will be restored to its original condition as farmland, paving the way for it to continue serving the community for future use. Khanye Colliery also made substantial progress in rehabilitation at all three opencast sections, further demonstrating our commitment to responsible mining practices.

The company achieved several milestones, with production picking up pace at Gugulethu Colliery. In addition to the Central Pit, mining began at the North Pit, bringing Gugulethu into steady-state output by the end of 2024. A significant portion of our success across all operations is due to the strong relationships we have built with our stakeholders, including host communities and local municipalities. Creating community forums has enabled us to engage meaningfully in outreach programmes while ensuring transparent communication.

In this edition of the Maroon Post, we highlight some of our community initiatives, most notably the completion of the Mkhambi Primary School refurbishment project. Some of our community outreach campaigns were successfully delivered in collaboration with our contractors and government. To showcase the impact made through local procurement, we profile entrepreneurs from the community who provide us with critical services. On our list of highlights is the remarkable story of 32 individuals from Khanye’s host community who completed an ADT training programme. Five of these individuals have been permanently integrated into Khanye’s workforce through this training opportunity.

In addition to our operations, 2024 saw a positive turnaround in key sectors that affect the mining industry in South Africa. Transnet increased cargo volumes, reduced transit times, and improved customer service. Eskom’s performance also improved, resulting in respite from load-shedding. These developments have contributed to a more positive economic outlook for South Africa, and they indicate that our country is making gradual progress in addressing its challenges, further giving businesses like Canyon the confidence to operate. We look forward to continuing this positive trend and achieving more milestones in 2025.