Internal verification of identified environmental indicators
PPC engaged KPMG to conduct an internal verification of key selected performance indicators reported as part of GRI. Gaps identified from the audit were addressed, strengthening the quality of reported data.

Technology upgrades resulting in environmental improvements
PPC continuously strives to reduce dust emission levels at our factories. Air-emission control upgrades were undertaken at PPC Port Elizabeth and PPC Slurry near Mafikeng. At Port Elizabeth, existing electrostatic precipitators (ESP) serving the raw mills were replaced with a new bag filter. Bag filters achieve dust emission levels below 50mg/Nm3.

The upgrade at Slurry kiln 7 included:
Raising the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) roof by 3m and installing longer collecting plates and electrodes to increase the collecting plate area and reduce the dust emission level to 50mg/Nm3.

• Installing a new heat cross and chains to improve heat transfer from the hot gas to the material
• Replacing the repaired crack kiln shell section and worn riding ring
• Installing an air recirculating system in the coal mill circuit to improve the mill's output
• Upgrading the dust return elevator chain and drive to improve equipment reliability

Left Image: The PPC Slurry plant in Mafikeng where air quality management is proactively addressed in preparation for the new National Air Quality Standard

Due to the proximity of the De Hoek village, located in the Western Cape, to the plant, a noise impact study was undertaken. Certain areas of the plant did indicate levels above the recommended standard. A mitigation plan was developed and measures implemented to reduce noise levels to within local by-law requirements.

• Progress with expansion and environmental improvement projects

Batsweledi Project (PPC Dwaalboom)
The new-technology kiln at PPC Dwaalboom has reduced CO2 emissions from coal combustion by 5,5% per ton of clinker. This is greater than the projected savings in the prior report of 4%. This project was recently certified as energy efficient.

Ntšhafatso Project (PPC Hercules vertical roller mill project)
The Ntšhafatso project entails installing an energy-efficient vertical roller mill, a clinker silo and a duo-cell cement silo with bulk road loading facilities. The implementation/construction phase of the project started in February 2007. By using modern equipment we will ensure the continued supply of cement and numerous environmental benefits.

Anticipated benefits include:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduction in point-source dust emission
• Reduction in fugitive dust emissions
• Improved ability to produce cements with a lower carbon footprint

Commissioning of the project is expected to start early in 2010. The expected energy saving for PPC Hercules for the 2010 financial year is 7%.

Left Image: Construction at the Ntšhafatso Project at PPC Hercules

Se Kika Project (PPC Riebeeck expansion project)
The existing PPC Riebeeck operation is nearing the end of its design life. To continue to guarantee supply in the region in the long term, PPC has investigated establishing a new 1,2 million ton per annum clinker production facility. The new facility will use leading international technology and deliver reduced dust, CO2, NOX and SO2 emissions, as well as reduced water and energy consumption per ton of clinker produced. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) process was undertaken to identify and recommend mitigation measures for potential impacts. PPC has committed to more than 146 mitigation measures. PPC has also established a website for easy access to these commitments and other core EIA documentation. The EIA was submitted to authorities on 18 March 2009. PPC awaits a decision from the Western Cape provincial government.

• Environmental management systems
  All our cement and lime plants have been certified in terms of ISO 14001:2004, with PPC Jupiter being the last plant to obtain certification in September 2008. ISO is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and is based on three key principles: preventing pollution, complying with legal and other requirements, and continual improvement in performance. Our two aggregate mines, Laezonia and Mooiplaas, are members of the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of South Africa (ASPASA), an association that sets standards and guidelines for health, safety and environmental issues.
  
  
• Progress with best practices
  The aim of developing environmental best practices is to provide minimum nonnegotiable standards and to support consistent management controls. A number of environmental best practices such as air quality management, GRI reporting and verification as well as change management have been developed over the past year. However, we have identified the need for additional best practices aligned to our environmental vision and key performance indicators. These include best practices on green procurement and contractor management, environmental management system (EMS) auditing, energy efficiency and waste management. Development of these best practices will continue over the coming year.
  
  
• Internal audit reports
  PPC has amended audit report formats to facilitate classification of environmental findings into structural and operational categories. This was undertaken to support capacity building and increased awareness of the need to integrate environmental management into operations. In addition, the process identified any potential breach in structures to proactively manage potential legislative non-compliance. Structural findings include those that indicate the absence of a mechanism/authorization or clear evidence that an existing mechanism falls short in design/implementation, while operational findings are defined as those that generally relate to failure of an established mechanism, a once-off occurrence of deviation from licence/permit, etc.