Anglo American donates TV screens to KNP

Twenty-seven screens have been installed at rest camps, reception areas and selected reservation offices around the 19,485km² reserve, one of the biggest in Africa and home to 147 mammal species, 517 bird species and 114 types of reptiles in six different ecosystems. "We were looking at introducing a kind of communication and marketing tool that would afford us a chance to communicate in an interactive way with our tourists when Anglo American responded positively," said Abe Sibiya, managing executive of the Kruger National Park.

Support for campaigns

The screens flight gate opening and closing times, emergency road closures, speed limits, rare sightings and messages to support SANParks campaigns. Thermal coal has further supplied the litter bags that are handed to local and international tourists that number around 950,000 visitors every year. "We realised the need to connect with the broader conservation movement in South Africa, and see the Kruger National Park as the epitome of nature conservation," said thermal coal head of safety and sustainable development Philip Fourie at the official signing.

Anglo American is acutely aware of the potential harm that the extractive sector can have on biodiversity, which is why the group's companies work tirelessly to ensure that their operations minimise potential negative impacts that may arise from mining. The group's approach to biodiversity is governed by various mandatory performance requirements, including third-party environmental management systems audits and biodiversity peer reviews.

Thermal coal is involved in a range of conservation initiatives, including its African Grass Owl partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and pan and wetland management and rehabilitation in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The company's support also extends to the black-footed cat and ground hornbill programmes at the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.