London-listed rare earths miner Pensana is committed to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible mining, says Chairperson Paul Atherley.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he emphasized that mining can uplift communities without harming local ecosystems.
“Africa should benefit from its resources without destroying local environments or the fabric of society,” Atherley stated, affirming Pensana’s adherence to high international standards in Angola and the UK.
Pensana minimizes environmental impact by using hydroelectric power and limiting mining depth to 50 meters.
The company also rehabilitates land to a higher standard than before extraction. Addressing concerns about foreign-owned miners providing little local benefit, Atherley highlighted Pensana’s investment in downstream operations.
Instead of exporting raw materials, the company is building a processing facility in Angola to produce a high-value rare earth carbonate, ensuring more economic benefits remain in the country.
Pensana prioritizes local employment, with 95% of its Angolan workforce comprising locals. The company ranks in the top 5% globally for sustainability, according to ESG ratings agency EcoVadis.
In 2022, it launched a blueprint outlining 11 sustainability goals across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
Aiming to establish the world’s first sustainable magnet metal supply chain, Pensana employs a full-time sustainability manager and supports educational programs for local early-career professionals.
The company is also a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and a partner of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and transparent operations.
