The Company’s approach to ESG reporting is guided by global frameworks and best practice guidelines.
Sustainability at the Core
Sylvania considers robust ESG management to be fundamental to business success. A sustainable business delivers value while nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce and operating responsibly to minimise environmental impact and create positive change in the communities where operations take place.
Responsible Resource Management
Sustainability and responsible resource management are integral to Sylvania’s operations and the Company’s business model. By recovering critical minerals like chrome and PGMs from mine waste, Sylvania supports the global shift to a greener economy, reducing waste while supplying materials essential for clean energy technologies.
This approach reduces environmental impacts by decreasing waste volumes, limiting the need for large tailings storage facilities, and minimising seepage risks. Additionally, Sylvania assists in the cleanup of legacy waste facilities, ensuring tailings are reprocessed and redeposited in safer, more environmentally friendly locations.
Environmental Performance
Sylvania remains committed to mitigating climate-related risks through efficiency improvements and renewable energy initiatives.
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- Power consumption: 51,025,377 kWh, a slight decrease from HY1 FY2024, reflecting operational efficiency improvements;
- Diesel consumption: Increased to 246,432.91 litres due to grid constraints at Tweefontein, which increased the use of back up diesel fired generators;
- Greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2): 51,678.80 CO2e, this is a slight increase compared to HY1 2024 owing to the increased use of diesel generators as a result of power constraints at host-mines. However, the Company has maintained an emissions intensity of 0.041 CO2/tons treated; and
- Hybrid vehicle pilot trial: Launched to assess the feasibility of incorporating hybrid vehicles into the fleet, aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions in alignment with long-term sustainability goals.
Water Management & Conservation
Water is essential to operations, and Sylvania remains committed to responsible water stewardship. The Company’s processing plants are integrated into the water distribution systems of host-mines and designed as closed-circuit systems, thereby maximising water reuse and ensuring minimal or zero liquid discharge.
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- Total water consumption: 5,492,371 m³ which is a 10.23% increase from HY1 FY2024. This increase is due to the milling and flotation (“MF2”) sections at Tweefontein and Lannex. Another major contributor is the Lesedi ROM plant which came online in October 2024, and resulted in Lesedi receiving additional water via the host-mine current arisings. Enhanced data tracking and reporting mechanisms introduced through a project the Company has undertaken with Water Hunters is improving water assurance and management;
- Water Usage: Improved significantly to 1.41 m³/tons treated (from 2.84 m³/tons in FY2024), demonstrating optimised water use;
- Water recycled/reused: Enhanced data monitoring following the introduction of the Ketendo software has improved tracking and optimisation of water reuse; and
- Borehole water use: Increased by 315% due to supply challenges; mitigation strategies are under review to ensure long-term sustainability.
Tailings Management
Sylvania is dedicated to the responsible management of its Tailings Storage Facilities (“TSFs”) to prevent negative impacts on health, safety, the environment, and communities. TSFs are designed with an acceptable level of risk, fully compliant with the DMRE Mandatory Code of Practice for Mine Residue Deposits. Sylvania’s approach to tailings management prioritises zero harm, and the Company continues to align its approach with the recommendations and requirements of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (“GISTM”).
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- No material risks identified across TSFs;
- Emergency Preparedness Plans updated to align with new regulations, ensuring robust risk mitigation;
- Seismic monitoring station installed at the Lesedi TSF to enhance ground stability monitoring; and
- TSF slope rehabilitation trials at Tweefontein and Lesedi have shown promising results, with the next phase of more extensive trials planned for Millsell, including an onsite greenhouse and monitoring. Initial findings indicate strong vegetation regrowth and improved soil stability.
Health & Safety
A safety-first mindset is ingrained throughout operations and codified in the Health and Safety Policy. Safety remains a standing agenda item at Executive Committee and Board meetings.
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- Zero fatalities recorded since the Company started operations, reinforcing its commitment to a strong safety culture;
- Best total injury performance in Sylvania’s history, with only one LTI reported. Although a significant achievement regarding total injuries, the Group still strives for zero injuries;
- The ‘Making Safety Personal’ campaign continued and encourages employees to take ownership of safety practices;
- Doornbosch remains 12-years LTI-free, and Doornbosch and Lannex have been total injury-free for over three years and one year, respectively, during the Period;
- Launched the ‘Know the Rule, Follow the Rule’ campaign, ensuring strict adherence to best practices regulatory compliance;
- Annual ‘Silly Season’ campaign, raising awareness about seasonal risks and preventative measures; and
- Annual Anti-Gender Based Violence campaign launched in November 2024.
Workforce Development & Diversity
Sylvania fosters an inclusive, diverse, and skilled workforce. A diverse workforce enhances innovation, strengthens problem-solving, and drives long-term business resilience.
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- Employee growth: 777 employees as of December 2024, a 19.17% increase from HY1 FY2024, including 122 employees for the Thaba JV as at 31 December 2024;
- Female representation: Increased to 28.19%, with 34.78% of new employees being women, showing progress in Women in Mining initiatives;
- Historically Disadvantaged South Africans representation: 92.92% of the workforce, underscoring a commitment to economic transformation; and
- Training initiatives: 2,401 interventions completed, a 25.37% increase from HY1 FY2024, ensuring employees have the skills needed to excel.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sylvania understands that a diverse workforce strengthens strategic thinking, fosters creativity, and provides a deeper talent pool. The Company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the following policies:
- Recruitment and Selection Policy: Ensures fairness, equity, confidentiality, and human dignity throughout the hiring process;
- Employment Equity Policy: Commits to building and maintaining a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all; and
- Harassment Policy: Ensures a respectful workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity.
Contributing to National and Local Development
Sylvania plays a vital role in South Africa’s economic growth, creating shared value through sustainable development and socio-economic upliftment. The Company’s Corporate Social Investment Policy guides social investment practices, ensuring that initiatives benefit the communities in which Sylvania operates.
The policy prioritises funding for not-for-profit organisations and projects that support previously disadvantaged communities. It mandates investment in initiatives that drive long-term impacts, fostering inclusive growth and meaningful development.
Sylvania recognises the importance of its host communities and actively invests in initiatives that foster socio-economic development.
HY1 FY2025 Highlights and Key Initiatives:
- Community suppliers spend: ZAR75.9 million reinforcing commitment to local businesses and economic empowerment;
- Sport Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, providing youth with structured sporting activities as an alternative to negative social influences;
- Makane Youth Hike, promoting community engagement and healthy lifestyles; and
- ‘Enjoy Your Education’ Campaign, distributing 100 school starter packs to support early childhood education.
Economic contribution
The following economic contributions continued during HY1 FY2025:
- Employee and related payments including:
- Salaries and wages;
- Contributions and employees’ tax paid; and
- Employee Dividend Entitlement Plan.
- Regulatory payments to South African Revenue Services including:
- Income tax;
- Value added tax;
- Dividend withholding tax; and
- Mineral royalty tax.
Economic Contribution: National and Local Governance:
| Indicator | Unit | HY1 FY2024 | HY1 FY2025 |
| Salaries and wages1 | ZAR | 167,639,883 | 167,781,370 |
| Contributions and employee tax paid | ZAR | 64,099,451 | 64,209,023 |
| Employee dividend participation scheme | ZAR | 8,872,108 | 1,712,443 |
| Income tax | ZAR | 33,551,650 | 27,878,162 |
| Value added tax | ZAR | 51,189,765 | 32,426,667 |
| Dividend withholding tax2 | ZAR | 49,868,421 | – |
| Mineral royalty tax | ZAR | 10,907,970 | 3,913,859 |
1 Salaries and wages are reflected as net after tax and include the vested shares benefits.
2 Dividend withholding tax is paid on an ad hoc basis when intercompany dividends are declared and paid. No dividends were declared by Sylvania Metals in the current Period.
Supplied by Sylvania Platinum
