The ASPASA Environmental audit programme is now well underway after a two-year Covid-19 influenced break, reports Quarrying Africa. The audit is designed to help mines and quarries meet their Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) targets.
“ESG compliance has become an important component of the modern business environment and is high on the agenda of most organisations, both local and international. Sustainable mining is critical to the continued existence of the small-scale mining industry whether it be aggregates, sand, dimension stone, clay, salt or any other commodity that is mined in the sector,” says Nico Pienaar, director of ASPASA.
The audit comprises Online and Physical components, both of which are designed to establish the level of compliance and to assist the various operations and managers to improve their knowledge of environmental issues and the compliance requirements.
“Judging from the completed audits to date, the Environmental Audit has been well received by the various managers and their respective teams. All the participating operations have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the process, and they have all presented well prepared documentation to the auditor, for which ASPASA is very grateful,” says Pienaar.