A powerful coalition of stakeholders has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of one of South Africa’s most treasured natural landscapes.
On June 17, 2025, Sibanye-Stillwater, the Angamma Charitable Trust, the Magaliesberg Biosphere NPC, and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) jointly launched a landmark conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding the Magaliesberg Biosphere. This initiative brings together government, civil society, and the private sector in a unified effort to protect an area of extraordinary environmental significance.
Located across the North West and Gauteng provinces, the Magaliesberg region is home to two UNESCO-recognised sites – the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The region is globally acknowledged for its biodiversity, with more than 46% of South Africa’s plant species and over 90 indigenous animal species calling it home.
The newly launched programme builds on existing conservation frameworks while introducing expanded and targeted initiatives to protect the area’s unique ecosystems. These include strengthening biodiversity corridors, supporting indigenous knowledge systems, promoting sustainable land use, and involving local communities in stewardship activities.
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This initiative forms part of a broader sustainability strategy, reinforcing a focus on responsible mining practices that actively contribute to environmental preservation. It underscores a long-term commitment to ensuring that operations support and enhance the natural ecosystems in which they take place.
Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, emphasised Sibanye-Stillwater’s commitment to balancing responsible mining operations with long-term environmental stewardship.
The programme also aligns with ICMM’s environmental principles and the global shift toward nature-positive mining practices. By working in partnership with local stakeholders and environmental groups, the coalition aims to deliver long-term benefits not only for biodiversity but also for the people living in and around the biosphere.
This latest commitment signals a growing recognition within the mining and industrial sectors of the need to integrate conservation into core business strategies — fostering a future where economic development and environmental preservation go hand in hand.
