Fostering environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonized, inclusive, and transformative value chains for energy transition minerals in the SADC region
Initiated as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Call in 2024, the project "Fostering Environmentally and Socially Responsible, Decarbonized, Inclusive, and Transformative Value Chains for Energy Transition Minerals in the SADC Region" addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the extraction and processing of energy transition minerals. The concept was developed by a consortium led by UNECA, and including Projekt-Consult, the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Wits Enterprise, and WWF aiming to ensure that mineral wealth contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the SADC region. The main objectives are to implement low-carbon, environmentally and socially responsible mining and manufacturing practices, align these practices with the region's NDC objectives, and support the broader agenda of inclusive growth and sustainable development. The countries of the project implementation are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The target groups for this project are diverse and include government entities at various levels, industries related to mineral extraction and processing, investors, and local communities, particularly focusing on empowering women and vulnerable groups within these communities.
The expected outcomes of the project include the development of a regional policy framework for environmentally sound raw material extraction, enhanced systems for environmental monitoring, empowered local communities and civil society to influence mining standards, and investment in green value chains that promote circular economy practices.
The project leverages innovative approaches to promote responsible mining practices. Key activities include the development of a regional policy framework, implementation of robust environmental monitoring systems, and empowerment of local communities through multi-stakeholder engagement.
Main Activities:
• Development and implementation of a regional ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework based on the African Mining Vision.
• Pilot projects in key countries to demonstrate responsible mining and processing techniques.
• Capacity building initiatives for local stakeholders to ensure compliance and engagement.
Outputs:
• A comprehensive regional policy that integrates climate action and sustainable mining practices.
• Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms for environmental performance and social impacts.
• Strengthened community and stakeholder ability to influence and benefit from mining activities.
This project aims to set a benchmark for responsible mineral supply chains in the SADC region, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.
Projekt-Consult is actively engaged in enhancing environmental and climate monitoring in the mining sector as part of their broader responsibilities within the scope of the project. Our contributions are focused on the development of sophisticated monitoring systems, the provision of capacity-building to regulatory bodies, and the implementation of standardized practices across the industry. These efforts are detailed in Output 2, where Projekt-Consult delivers a range of services aimed at improving sustainability and regulatory oversight within the SADC region's mining activities.
The five key services provided by Projekt-Consult in this area:
• Development of Environmental and Climate Monitoring Systems: Implementing methodologies for assessing and monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental impacts within the mining sector.
• Capacity Building for Oversight Bodies: Providing training and support to enhance the capabilities of mining inspectorates, environmental protection agencies, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in environmental and climate monitoring.
• Development of Monitoring Standards and Guidelines: Creating standardized protocols and guidelines for environmental and climate protection in the mining sector, aligned with international best practices and the SADC protocol on environmental management.
• Implementation of IT-based Monitoring Tools: Introducing innovative IT solutions to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, processing, and reporting on environmental performance and compliance in the mining industry.
• Regional Coordination and Best Practices Dissemination: Facilitating regional exchange and collaboration among SADC countries to harmonize monitoring practices and promote the adoption of best practices across the mining sector.
