Clean and energy efficient technology as green economy transition mechanism in South African gold mining: case of Kusasalethu

摘要: The decline of easily accessible gold reserves at Harmony Gold Limited’s Kusasalethu mine meant the firm had to be innovative access deeper ore bodies. In principle, accessing has higher cost implications as more energy, particularly electricity is consumed. Such energy needed for ventilation, cooling, longer shafts traveling time well drilling and blasting harder rock. South Africa where largely coal generated, increased consumption leads greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a move that undermines green economy low carbon transition. This paper examines environmental financial impacts clean efficient technology transition by tracing trends from 2004 2012. findings show significant declines in GHG emissions operational costs although resulted capital expenditure.