By:Sara Fileppus
Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb has commissioned a N$15 million General Waste Management Facility in the Oshikoto region.
The project, which is the first of its kind in the region, will focus on the separation and sorting of waste at source to minimise waste to landfill.
This project was approved by the Namibian Environment Commissioner, Timoteus Mufeti, and designed and constructed according to the South African Bureau of Standards.
The project is classified a Class B Landfill management system, based on the risk associated with the waste being disposed of or landfilled.
Class A landfill is for high-risk waste products while Class B landfill is for moderate waste products, and Class C and D landfill is for low-risk waste and inert waste, respectively.
The design and the operation philosophy of the facility is arranged with the principles of integrated waste management and waste management class system with a strong emphasis on encouraging waste separation and sorting at source, to reduce waste product sent to the landfill.
The project aims to divert waste from landfills and into utilisation where possible. Waste collected for recycling includes cartons, paper, cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, and plastic bags. Only biodegradable general or domestic waste will be landfilled at this facility.
Dundee’s Vice President Zebra Kasete said the investment demonstrates their commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen and stewards of the environment.
Dundee’s Vice President and Managing Director Zebra Kasete said the investment demonstrates their commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen and stewards of the environment.
Kesete said the project consists of several key components, including an administration office block, a recyclable processing facility equipped with a balling machine, and a storage compartment, an interim storage facility for waste destined for onsite treatment or offsite disposal, a bioremediation pad for blending and treatment of soil, a disposal cell, a water management system, and a vehicle wash bay.
Environment Commissioner said the facility sets a new standard for environmentally conscious waste management practices, and “it is my hope that other organisations, especially within the mining industry, will follow suit”.
Mufeti further stated that “by embracing integrated waste management practices, we not only protect our environment but also contribute to the well-being of our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that our actions today do not compromise the future of our planet.”