Sustainability – African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
Sustainability
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OUR APPROACH

ARM strives to balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of our business which are all essential to our long-term sustainability. We are proud of the good relationships we have and continue to develop with all our stakeholders.

ARM’s values, governance structures and ethical leadership guide our actions to conduct our business activities with integrity and respect for the environmental and societal contexts in which we operate. As a leading mining and minerals company, ARM is cognisant not only of our impacts on the world around us, but also of the opportunities to make a positive contribution to growth and development in the societies in which we operate.

ARM’s values explicitly acknowledge that social responsibility, good corporate governance and environmental stewardship are essential aspects of generating economic value for shareholders and social benefit for stakeholders. Taking a broader view to include nonfinancial aspects ensures ARM’s long-term sustainability.

RELATED REPORTS

  
The ESG Report provides more detail on our performance and approach to sustainable mining.

ARM’s Sustainable Development Model

Our approach to sustainable development is represented in our sustainable development model, which shows the inputs that shape our approach and the aspects we consider in the creation of value.

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Our climate change and water management strategies and reporting draw on various frameworks, guidelines, good practice and regulatory compliance requirements and also seek to meet multiple and evolving stakeholder reporting requirements. To address these issues comprehensively, we published a supplementary report on climate and water management. This report uses the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Position Statement of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) on Climate Change and Water Stewardship as the core frameworks.

Creating Sustainable Value

Our operations are located in some poor and remote parts of the country and provide employment opportunities, skills development and educational support in these areas. Infrastructure investments and support for social projects in local communities support socio-economic development and improve community resilience and sustainability. ARM’s preferential procurement and enterprise development programmes support entrepreneurship and economic growth among historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) and in local communities, create jobs, improve market access for South African capital goods and services, and increase economic activity in the areas around our operations.

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ARM operations' socio-economic development contributions over the last five years include:

R27.0 billion paid as taxes and royalties.

R751 million invested in community development.

Providing employment for 22 931 employees and contractors (as at 30 June 2023).

Improved HDSA representation in management from 61% in F2018 to 72% in F2023.

Provided 1024 bursaries.

Paid R20.9 billion to employees as salaries, wages and benefits

Invested R1.3 billion in training initiatives to improve the skills of employees.

R751 million was invested in communities neighbouring our mines through development projects in infrastructure, education and health. These projects were identified in partnership with local government and community representative structures.

Provided adult education and training (AET) to 343 employees and 1 017 community members at ARM facilities increasing their confidence and employability.

* On a 100% basis
# Reported for F2022

Communities

ARM’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen drives our support of the development of the communities in which we operate through social investment and local economic development projects. These initiatives aim to build capacity in communities and prioritise women, HIV and Aids projects, the upliftment of people living with disabilities, youth and the socially destitute.

Partnering with communities and other stakeholders for social upliftment is a strategic priority. Investment in local communities is aimed at driving socio-economic development and improving community resilience and sustainability. Most of ARM’s operations are located in remote areas near communities with pressing socioeconomic challenges. This provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by investing in infrastructure and social projects that can have a significant positive impact. Delivering these initiatives strengthens our relationships with local communities and benefits employees who live there. Regular engagements improve our understanding of community needs and expectations, and promote community ownership of projects by including beneficiaries from the planning phase.

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