Global estimates indicate that it takes only a litre of oil to pollute a million litres of water, making the safe disposal of oil a strategic global imperative – especially for water-scarce countries. In a bid to expand its green partnerships, BME is incorporating used oils into its emulsion explosives. They are using used oil – a relatively harmful waste product as a fuel agent in its high-quality emulsions, ensuring that it is safely disposed of during the blasting process. This initiative is in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 2: Zero Hunger; along with other related pollution-reducing targets.
The company continues to extend the benefits of this growing sustainability initiative to mining clienteles and other approved partners, making it the leading consumer of used oil in the explosives sector. Markedly, the company is registered as an approved collector and processor with the Recycling Oil Saves the Environment (ROSE) Foundation.
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In South Africa alone, BME consumes an equivalent of 25-million litres of used oil annually, and there are plans to gradually heighten its collection and processing capacity in the years to come.
“Through our large collection network, we can ensure that used oil from customers and other sources does not find its way into valuable water resources or soil as a contaminant. It is important to appreciate the ecosystem impact of oil in the environment. Contamination not only poisons water but can affect food security by undermining the health of soil and agriculture. This helps us fulfil the Omnia vision of protecting life, sustaining livelihoods and creating a better world,” Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, BME’s General Manager for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) noted.
BME continues to reach out to partners in mining and other stakeholders to promote Sustainable Development Goals in pursuit of a sustainable future for the planet. The company’s oil collection network has evolved over the years – aligning each phase with its ISO 9000 quality certification. Its extensive logistical arrangements include taking used oil from mining customers and a network of bulking points. Thereafter, the oil is processed and tested at the company’s dedicated facility in Delmas, from where it is channelled into emulsion production. This goes a long way to provide a safe and environmentally sound service.
“The responsible disposal of the oil in our emulsion adds another dimension to our partnership with mining customers – supporting their sustainability efforts while reducing their logistical load and environmental risk,” added Ramesh.
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) benefits extend further and create long-term business opportunities in the local economy, stimulating entrepreneurial activity and generating jobs.
It’s worth noting that BME is expanding this initiative into neighbouring countries where it can draw on small – even informal – businesses to collect used oil, thus creating demand in the local economy.
