Twelve tonnes of mining waste diverted from landfill through circular economy initiative.
Thungela has diverted four tonnes, the equivalent weight of six adult rhinos, of used mining gumboots from landfills by transforming them into durable school shoes for learners in communities surrounding its Mpumalanga operations. This initiative aligns with this year's World Environment month theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution", which calls for practical action to reduce waste and strengthen circular economy practices.
Daily, miners rely on specialised gumboots designed to withstand the demanding conditions of a mining environment. Once these boots reach the end of their operational life and can no longer be safely used, they would traditionally be discarded as waste. Thungela saw an opportunity to give the material a second life.
Working with Potch Plastics, that recycles and compounds PVC materials, used gumboots are collected and processed into reusable PVC granules that are used in the manufacture of school shoes. The initiative creates a practical circular economy solution by reducing waste while helping address a basic need for many families.
Mpumi Sithole, executive head of corporate affairs at Thungela, said: "The gumboot recycling initiative highlights how environmental responsibility can deliver meaningful benefits beyond our operations. By finding innovative ways to repurpose waste, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also contribute to the wellbeing and development of learners in host communities."
The gumboots programme is part of Thungela’s wider commitment to environmental stewardship across its operations. Initially launched at Zibulo Colliery, it has since been extended to Greenside and Goedehoop Collieries. The initiative has also complemented Thungela’s broader CSI initiatives in education and learner wellbeing, fostering environments where children can thrive.
"What makes this initiative truly meaningful is that it delivers value on multiple levels. While reducing waste, it also offers support to learners in our communities. We understand that enabling children to succeed begins with creating an environment that ensures they can fully participate in school life. A pair of school shoes may seem small, yet they make a profound difference, boosting a learner’s confidence, dignity, and overall wellbeing, all of which contribute to stronger learning outcomes, said Sithole."
ENDS