In complex sectors such as mining, flexibility and innovation are key to long-term sustainability. Petroleum products supplier Astron Energy prides itself on unlocking new ways to support mining business continuity on behalf of customers.

Part of natural resources company the Glencore group, the proudly South African company aims to become the next biggest fuel brand in the country. Astron Energy operates a network of more than 800 retail sites, or forecourts, in South Africa, as well as a small network in neighbouring Botswana.

The company is a significant contributor and key enabler of the mining sector in South Africa through its commercial offering which includes the supply of fuel and lubricants for a wide range of use across the mining sector.

As the sector continues to evolve, driven by new technologies and a focus on increased sustainability, Astron Energy’s role is to support these ambitions through its product offering and support services. This includes a strong focus on greater efficiencies and helping customers realise the full potential of their operations through technological advancements, such as proactive early detection systems.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything the company does and speaks to its purpose – “securing our future together” with all key stakeholders, particularly host communities, as this is key to long-term sustainability for the sector.

“Astron Energy and the mining sector’s long-term sustainability and success is intricately tied to the socioeconomic environment in which we all operate. This is why we collaborate with our customers on empowerment initiatives in the mining sector to support previously disadvantaged individuals, black-owned enterprises, as well as local communities,” says Astron Energy strategy, sustainability and operational excellence GM Gosiame Khoele.

Astron Energy is committed to working with all key stakeholders. A key component of this is supporting small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) through various initiatives, including the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF).

The AEDF seeks to create sustainable and meaningful change and prosperity for SMMEs along the Astron Energy value chain, including the critical mining sector.

“SMMEs are crucial to economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity in South Africa. This is particularly so in under-resourced communities around our facilities and where some of our customers have operations,” adds Khoele.

Watch a video in which Khoele speaks to Mining Weekly at the Investing in African Mining Indaba about how Astron Energy is helping the mining industry secure its future.