Digby Wells Environmental CEO Graham Trusler recently spoke with Dig Deep The Mining Podcast. With over 30 years of expertise in industry, Graham offered valuable insights into best environmental practices for mining companies.

In this episode, they discussed:

• Graham’s career journey and his specialization in environmental fields
• The comprehensive services provided by Digby Wells Environmental, from exploration to rehabilitation
• How mining companies can comply with international standards and regulations
• The importance of engaging with local communities for sustainable development
• The growing focus on sustainability reporting, electrification, and critical minerals

Watch the episode now and gain valuable insights from an industry leader! Watch the Interview. 

We are excited to share an insightful article by Digby Wells Environmental Social Scientists Phumzile Mbatha, Jan Anton Hough (MA Sociology), and Deogratius Mushi titled “Managing Cash Compensation to Avoid Negative Consequences on Resettlement Planning.”

This piece delves into the importance of effective stakeholder engagement during resettlement initiatives to inform affected households about the program and manage their expectations regarding financial compensation. Unrealized expectations can significantly undermine the success of resettlement efforts.

With over 30 years of experience, Digby Wells Environmental specializes in developing Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) for a wide range of projects, from linear infrastructure to open-pit mines across Sub-Saharan Africa. The company has a proven track record of successfully executing resettlement projects for over 1,900 households and preparing RAPs for 236 communities within a single project.

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Lerato Ratsoenyane, Manager for Stakeholder Engagement Digby Wells Environmental will be presenting at the American Society of Reclamation Sciences (ASRS) conference. She will discuss “Developing Social Closure Plans (SCPs) in Mining: A Consultative Approach,” a paper co-authored with Jessica Pryor.

Creating effective SCPs requires meaningful input from both external and internal stakeholders to address concerns and opportunities in reclamation. Traditionally, post-closure opportunities were decided by management, but reclamation now focuses on stakeholder risks and opportunities.

Key points for a successful SCP:
✅ Align with government authorities to ensure compliance with national legislation and international best practices.
✅ Engage internal management, workforce, and unions to assess impacts and gather input for management actions.
✅ Collaborate with local communities and businesses to understand economic impacts, set expectations, and explore development partnerships.

Engagement must be tailored to each mine, sharing local knowledge and risks upfront. Proactive engagements and preemptive planning help manage closure timing and integrate stakeholder inputs, reducing surprises when the mine eventually closes.

We are proud to have Lerato Ratsoenyane represent Digby Wells Environmental at this esteemed conference, sharing valuable insights that contribute to sustainable social closure across mining operations globally.

Digby Wells Environmental is delighted to announce that Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos our internationally experienced Technical Lead in Hydrogeology within the Water Geosciences Division, will be presenting at the West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium (WVTF) and IMWA – International Mine Water Association Congress Conference in West Virginia, USA. Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos in collaboration with Graham Trusler, CEO Digby Wells Environmental, has had a paper titled “Understanding Influences on Mine Water Quality Beyond Acid Mine Drainage: Case Studies from South Africa and Tanzania” accepted for presentation.

His presentation will shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of mine water quality management not related to acid or neutral mine drainage (AMD/NMD). AMD poses well-known challenges to both ground and surface water. While there are established guidelines to manage AMD and metal leachability from mine wastes, less attention is paid to other sources of contamination at mine sites.

Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos will discuss the impacts of various other impacts on mine water quality, such as chemicals used during mining and processing, sewage treatment plants, explosive usage, water treatment chemicals, and hydrocarbons like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). He will draw upon case studies, including one from a platinum mine in South Africa, where chloride contamination in the aquifer has had far-reaching consequences on surface water and the riverine ecosystem.

Additionally, Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos will share insights from a mine in Tanzania where nitrate contamination persisted due to inadequate sewage and mine water management.

These case studies presented will highlight the importance of comprehensive environmental impact investigations in mine operations. While AMD is often a primary concern, the influence of process chemicals on water quality must not be underestimated. Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos‘ presentation underscores the need for a holistic approach to mine water management, considering both geological factors and the responsible handling of process chemicals.

We are proud to have Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos represent Digby Wells Environmental at this esteemed conference, sharing valuable insights that contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in mining operations globally.

Digby Wells Environmental Executive Sarah Cooper together with Arno Barnard (Andrada Mining), Gwennael Guillen (Allied Gold Corporation), Emma Leith, MBA (La Mancha), and Estelle Levin-Nally CDir Dip IoD (Levin Sources) will participate in the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference Sustainability Programme panel discussion, for the session “Junior ESG Forum Strategy to Execution”.

The session aims to address the distinctive challenges confronted by junior miners in the African context, where the vast landscape of sustainability standards can be overwhelming.

Read More. 

Join the Creamer Media webinar featuring Digby Wells Environmental CEO, Graham Trusler, a member of the panel of experts.
The panel will engage in a thought-provoking discussion on repurposing old mines, legal responsibilities, and security strategies. Be a part of the conversation that could help shape the future of mining!

Register to Attend