Environmental performance

This section deals with current operations and excludes waste arising from land remediation activities. AEL's operations outside of Modderfontein are not included. STF is included for the first time in this report. Furthermore, Group figures include the performance of SANS Fibres, Bellville, for the first three months of 2009 before manufacturing operations ceased. However, in the graphs showing performance by business, the Bellville figures are excluded as the plant is no longer in operation.

Water usage (million litres per year)
Water usage by business (%)

The Group's total water usage for 2009 decreased significantly, largely as a result of the closure of the Bellville plant. AEL's consumption fell by 16%, with most of this accounted for by lower production rates at the nitrates complex. STF's water usage accounted for less that 1% of the Group total.

Hazardous waste generated (thousand tons per year)
Hazardous waste arisings by business (%)

The volume of hazardous waste generated remained static year-on-year. With SANS Fibres at Bellville only having operated for the first quarter of the year, there was a commensurate reduction in waste generation from that site (excluding that resulting from demolition activities). However, AEL reported an increase in waste generation because emulsion waste arisings were included in the statistics for the first time. Chemserve, too, has seen a small increase in waste generation. STF's hazardous waste generation amounted to less than 1% of that generated by the Group.