Environment

Diamond mining impacts the environment directly because of its need to access, use and manage land and water resources.

It impacts the environment indirectly by acting as a catalyst for further economic development. The exact nature of these impacts is different for every operation we manage.

We recognise these resources as a national asset aligned in importance to diamonds. Managing these assets responsibly means working systematically across the diamond value chain to prevent or minimise the negative impacts of our operations. It means being efficient in our management and use of
natural resources.

It also means responding proactively through innovation to address and manage issues material to stakeholders. Measures include conservation projects, research on biodiversity, energy and climate care programmes and water management technologies.

The proficient and responsible management of natural resources is integrated into aspects of our business, and monitored and audited as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Environmental stewardship is as much about people as it is about conserving our heritage for future generations. It is about building competence and consistency across the Family of Companies, and also working in partnership with government and other stakeholders, such as NGOs, to address issues of
local and national significance.

Issues and important questions that are addressed in the Report to Society 2008:

• ISO 14001 certifications
• Our mining footprint
• Biodiversity management and protected areas
• Water management
• Water consumption targets
• Energy consumption and efficiency
• Energy accounting and targets
• Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions