Canyon Coal’s Khanye Colliery will implement a robust Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) in the coming four years as part of the Bettercoal programme, enhancing the mine’s sustainability efforts.

Khanye Colliery is currently the only mine that holds the Bettercoal Producer status in South Africa. The Bettercoal programme is an internationally recognised standard to promote responsible practices in the global coal supply chain. This milestone marks significant progress for Canyon Coal’s longstanding partnership with the organisation.

Canyon Coal COO Jarmi Steyn hopes Khanye Colliery will set a positive example for other coal mines in SA to consider taking part in the initiative. “The coal industry’s existence, in the long term, depends on the strength of our sustainability efforts, highlighting the importance of participating in programmes like Bettercoal. This partnership is about enhancing accountability and responsible practices in the sector,” says Steyn.

Located in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, Khanye Colliery initiated the process to become a Bettercoal producer in 2022 by signing a letter of commitment, followed by site assessments in 2023. The process involved comprehensive assessments based on the three ESG pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance. It looks at the mine’s progress in driving community development, advancing employee wellbeing and protecting the environment.

After completing the evaluation process, a CIP was developed for the mine. The CIP is a tailored plan that aims to help the mine enhance its performance in key ESG areas in line with 144 provisions contained in the Bettercoal Code. Furthermore, the programme supports Khanye Colliery’s existing environmental efforts, like water conservation measures, and its various social upliftment initiatives.

Bettercoal has a track record of 14 years, working with coal producers from different countries to advance responsible practices within the coal value chain. The organisation employs a Standard and Continuous Improvement Framework, which entails tracking the progress of coal producers. Assessors review and report on performance based on the evidence submitted by coal producers quarterly over four years.