Water Protection and Management
Located at 3,275 meters above sea level on the watershed between the Khubelu and Matsoku drainages, Letšeng Diamonds is dedicated to protecting water quality, supporting ecological health, and safeguarding the communities that depend on these vital water resources.
A key aspect of our water management strategy is maximizing reuse and recycling of process water to combat any potential future shortage as the water is solely derived from the rain as a source. We make every effort to minimize freshwater intake and ensure that sufficient water flow is maintained for downstream communities and ecosystems.
Our water quality performance is transparently reported to stakeholders, in accordance with the relevant National legislation and set requirements by the responsible authorities.
Wetlands Management
As part of our innovative environmental stewardship, Letšeng Diamonds has developed an artificial wetland on a tributary of the Qaqa stream. This ambitious and experimental project is designed to naturally treat water, harnessing the power of wetland ecosystems to filter and purify water before it flows into surrounding rivers and ecosystems.
This approach not only helps to improve water quality but also supports biodiversity and enhances the natural landscape, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices.
Air Quality and Environmental Responsibility
While our diamond treatment process is considered relatively “clean” and does not emit harmful chemicals, we recognize that all mining activities can generate dust that may impact air quality. To safeguard the environment and surrounding communities, we conduct an ambient dust monitoring program at strategically located sites around the mine perimeter to detect any dust levels.
We prioritize waste management by ensuring that the majority of waste generated on-site is either recycled, reused, or appropriately transported for off-site disposal. This approach aims to minimize the volume of waste requiring incineration, thereby reducing the potential impact on air quality and the surrounding environment.
Land Conservation and Protection
At Letšeng Diamonds, we are committed to safeguarding the land by preventing hydrocarbons contamination, recognizing that “one litre of hydrocarbon spillage can pollute one million litres of water.” Our guiding principle is zero hydrocarbons contamination, which plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding land and natural ecosystems.
To achieve this, hydrocarbon management is given a priority. Our operational areas are equipped with oil separators to prevent any potential spillages and/or impact on land and water.
In the unlikely event of a hydrocarbon spillages, our rigorous spill response procedures are immediately activated to contain and clean up the contamination. The affected soil is collected and transported to a specially designed soil treatment onsite for bioremediation through a biological treatment processes, the soil is restored and stored for the purpose of rehabilitation.
