SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUCCESS

Following the acquisition of Kgatelopele (KP) Lime from PPC Lime in 2021 by IMR Resources, the global commodities trader with ownership of mining assets and steel production facilities, along with a consortium of investors, the company is excited about the sustainability and community focus of the project.

The name Kgatelopele is shared with the local municipality in which the mine is located. It was deliberately chosen to symbolise an intention to embrace the employees as well as the broader community as partners, as new life is breathed into the operation and the region to progress the mine forward.

KP Lime is focused on ensuring the socio-economic development of surrounding communities, as well as providing employment and educational opportunities. The company currently employs some 250 personnel, with contractors being used for drilling operations and security services.

In line with the organisation’s strategic imperative of upli ing the surrounding communities, a number of corporate social responsibility initiatives have been implemented.

Included in these are sporting facilities, such as multifunctional (netball and tennis) courts in Lime Acres and Danielskuil, and two free-to-use swimming pools in Lime Acres. The company also supplies electricity to 200 rural houses and contributes to the school, which impacts about 700 students yearly, and a community library.

KP Lime has a firm focus on producing sustainably, and there are various initiatives in place to ensure sustainable mining operations that minimise the impact on the environment. These include reducing CO2 emissions, the treatment of waste water and the remediation of polluted soils.

partners such as JJJL Mining, and the largest black shareholders, namely Kolobe Nala Investment and Proprietary Limited.

The company has access to extensive reserves of high-quality metallurgical-grade limestone and dolomitic stone deposits, and this – coupled with its kiln technology – is the key to consistently supplying products of high quality. These are designed to meet di erent customers’ specifications, making KP Lime a supplier of choice to the market.

Thanks to a strategically located depot, KP Lime is uniquely positioned to enable a quick route to local and export markets, while also being able to o er security of supply, as its current capacity is capable of catering to the existing market demand.

The company is focused on its approach to sustainability, and the work done to contribute positively in terms of stakeholder relations. While the focus on CSR and sustainability is critical, KP Lime nonetheless remains one of the most technologically advanced lime producers in the world, while also being one of the largest suppliers of metallurgical-grade lime in Southern Africa.

KP Lime comprises a consortium of investors including IMR and South African

The company’s Bowden pit is expected to have around 12 to 14 years of mine life in its reserves, but KP Lime is looking to expand its mine with a second pit operation. This has an anticipated mine life of 60 years, and is expected to be built close to the currently in-use Bowden pit. This will enable KP Lime to continue to supply the market with a product that’s in demand for use in key local industries.

It is worth noting too that since acquiring the mine, and despite macroeconomic challenges that have been experienced across the globe, KP Lime has been performing well and is proud of the progress to date. Moving ahead, all strategic decisions will be underpinned by a vision of contributing positively on a local and national level, while remaining conscious of the need to produce sustainably.