CEO Brian Dames says Eskom 'welcomes the measures which AngloGold Ashanti has implemented to reduce energy consumption within their operations'.
Endorsed by government and business partners‚ the initiative urges all South Africans to reduce their current energy consumption by at least 10%‚ by changing the way they use electricity.
At a ceremony on Wednesday in Newtown‚ Johannesburg – at which Anglo Gold Ashanti signed the 49M pledge – CEO of AngloGold Ashanti Mark Cutifani said: "AngloGold Ashanti is fully behind the 49M initiative and its objective of encouraging energy efficiency in South Africa. We are delighted to associate ourselves with 49M as it is a timely intervention given the energy challenges of our time.
"To drive the desired behavioural changes‚ we will partner with our staff‚ host communities‚ schools‚ and the municipalities in the areas we operate‚" added Cutifani.
AngloGold said it would support municipalities which host its operations to install smart metering to enable better control for power usage and reduce losses to the municipalities. In addition‚ the mining company will be implementing the installation of heat pumps for its villages and will replace shower heads to save water as part of the energy chain.
Brian Dames‚ CEO of Eskom‚ said: "The mining industry is one of the leading consumers of electricity. We welcome the measures which AngloGold Ashanti has implemented to reduce energy consumption within their operations. They have provided a model of energy efficiency which others can follow‚ helping to alleviate the load on our country's power system."
Cutifani noted that AngloGold is a major consumer of electricity and fuels.
"As a result‚ reducing our energy footprint would mean lower impact on climate change from our operations and reduced costs. The 49M campaign is all about working together and we are delighted to be a 49M partner. Together we have the power to make a difference‚" concluded Cutifani. – I-Net Bridge