Ma’aden recognizes the need to work in a way that meets the requirements of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the mining and metals sector, this means that all of Ma’aden’s investments should be financially profitable, technically appropriate, environmentally sound and socially responsible.
We are committed to sustainable environmental management of our operations and projects. We have also set specific strategic goals to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce water and energy consumption and increase recycling.
In 2020 we have made significant progress in reducing our water use. Our water recovery plan at the Al Jalamid phosphate mine has reused almost 3.5 million m3 of water, reducing the amount of groundwater use, and at Wa'ad Al Shamal a new water treatment package has resulted in saving almost 1 million m3 of well water per year. This represents a 30% reduction in total water use in our Phosphate Division alone.
Ma’aden has now implemented environmental monitoring and management programs at all of our operating sites including mines, plants, chemical complexes and buildings. In 2020 we continued to comply with all relevant local, national and international regulations to ensure that waste is managed, biodiversity is sustained, risks and impacts are reduced, energy efficiency is improved and our ecological footprint is minimized.
As part of our company wide approach, in 2020 we developed a single methodology for monitoring the progress we are making. This allows us to not only see where we are delivering on our aims, but also to identify new challenges and make the changes necessary to meet them. Our Environmental Monitoring Program also enables us to report in a consistent and transparent manner to national authorities, international forums and the public.
We also carried out work to increase awareness of environmental issues across the business and across communities. In 2020, we led specific activities to coincide with World Environment Day, Desertification and Deforestation Day and World Soil Day 2020, as well as leading other initiatives such as tree planting near local mines to enhance biodiversity in the area.
