De Beers is involved with various environmental restoration projects, of which enhancing local water ecosystems is a key aspect. By rehabilitating natural water bodies and improving watershed management, the company aims to contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the region’s water resources.
Water conservation is at the core of De Beers’s mining practises, aligning with the company’s broader environmental initiatives and community engagement.
De Beers use a multifaceted approach to water conservation including technology to reduce the volume of fresh water used in diamond mining and processing as well as sophisticated filtration systems that allow for water to be purified and reused. This is all monitored to minimise water waste.
Responsible water management also means considering other stakeholders in the catchment, so the company collaborates with local communities and governments to ensure that its water use does not negatively impact local water resources. Through partnerships and educational initiatives, De Beers promotes water conservation awareness and practices beyond its own operations.
Corporate responsibility
This has led De Beers into a partnership with EHA Group JV Hlengani Business Enterprise. Together they completed the Alldays Municipality Water Infrastructure Refurbishment Project in Limpopo province. Focusing on the repair and upgrading of existing water infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new supporting water storage tank, the project involves the collaboration with the community and local suppliers. The result is improved water access and reliability in Alldays, while empowering local stakeholders.