Jindal Africa’s presence on the continent represents an opportunity to utilise its mining potential and make a lasting impact on the communities in which it operates. CEO, Parshant Goyal, discusses the company’s crucial role and positive future.
UNEARTHING THE AFRICAN SPIRIT
Home to a third of the world’s minerals and a quarter of its energy reserves, mining companies are drawn to Africa’s abundant resources.
Leading multinational organisation, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), has identified this wealth of exploration and development opportunities and is diligently working to expand its footprint in the continent through Jindal Africa.
Established in 2008, Jindal Africa’s mission was to discover metal and mineral commodities for JSPL’s steel production in India, and four years later, it began its coal mining operations in Chirodzi, Tete, Mozambique.
As a burgeoning company under the JSPL umbrella, Jindal Africa is part of O.P. Jindal, an industrial conglomerate and principal player in the steel, power, mining, coal-to-liquid, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
The company’s operations span South Africa (SA), Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, producing high-quality coal and working on iron ore, thermal, and solar power projects.
As CEO of Jindal Africa, Parshant Goyal is responsible for these operations as well as new projects in Zimbabwe.
“My vision is that we should be a major thermal power producer in this region and in SA with coal, before expanding into renewables such as solar. Additionally, we aim to extract manganese, chrome, and base metals required for steel production, and we currently produce 12 million tonnes (t) of steel in India and Oman,” he confirms.
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Africa has always been Goyal’s top choice for JSPL’s mining endeavours as he sees the industry’s future heading in that direction.
“I love working in the African region due to the numerous benefits for both us and the communities in which we operate,” he enthuses.
Jindal Africa takes its corporate social responsibility (CSR) seriously, ensuring that its activities comply with the laws of respective countries. For example, the company has an approved Social and Labour Plan (SLP) in SA, which is valid for five years.
“We take care of communities according to the SLP, but we also accomplish many things for schools and medical facilities. In Botswana, we fulfil residents’ basic requirements and essential needs, such as providing books for children and necessary amenities for hospitals. Furthermore, we offer education on farming and agriculture,” Goyal insights.
Keen to improve local socioeconomic conditions, Jindal Africa prioritises community employment.
“In SA, we have around 550 employees, with only three being expatriates; the rest are from nearby areas. In Mozambique, a community was based in the mining field, so we relocated 325 houses, provided residents with agricultural land in the rehabilitation colony, and ensured they had access to a hospital, school, church, and market.”
The community was in decline before Jindal Africa intervened by starting work on the mine around 12 years ago. As well as providing drinking water, which was in scarce supply, over half of the citizens went from not having a bicycle to owning a vehicle.
“We have witnessed significant growth in these areas, and as part of our CSR commitments, we are even offering banking facilities – we are wholeheartedly devoted to community development,” prides Goyal.
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
Jindal Africa believes it is crucial to nurture relationships with local communities while maintaining strong connections with suppliers.
Approximately 90 percent of the company’s supply chain in SA is local. In Mozambique, however, this figure sits between 70 and 80 percent as many materials are procured from neighbouring SA, where suppliers also have manufacturing units.
As a people-centred company, Jindal Africa provides opportunities and economic support for communities, suppliers, and the workforce.
“We enjoy motivating our employees by providing training that aligns with their needs or interests. For example, our Mine Manager in SA, who initially worked as a geologist, received our support to obtain his blasting ticket and now holds a significant position within the company, exemplifying the kind of motivation and development opportunities we offer.
“When there is a conference such as Mining Indaba, we allow high-performing employees to attend, providing them with an opportunity to gain exposure to the industry,” Goyal highlights.
Jindal Africa aims to provide continuous training to its workforce, ensuring they are up to date with the latest industry trends. In this way, the company values its employees as the backbone of the organisation.
“When there is a conference such as Mining Indaba, we allow high-performing employees to attend, providing them with an opportunity to gain exposure to the industry”
Parshant Goyal, CEO, Jindal Africa
STRATEGY FOR THE ECOSYSTEM
As a responsible mining company, Jindal Africa operates within the confines of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
“We plant trees and use the waste from the wash plant as a power source instead of burning extra coal. We also have a large upcoming project in Botswana where we are constructing a power plant with 600 megawatts (MW) of thermal power integrated with a 5 million t coal mine,” Goyal reveals.
Aligning with Botswana’s journey to Vision 2030 and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Jindal Africa continues to maintain a strong presence throughout the country.
The company is not only committed to achieving its sustainability goals but also aims to significantly boost the nation’s economy by generating employment opportunities in the rich coalfields of Mmamabula.
To demonstrate this commitment, the company has already implemented solar power for its camp workers and plans to expand this initiative to ensure that construction power is utilised to its full potential.
Moreover, the region has the potential to generate new jobs for over 3,000 people in the future.
“We intend to invest in solar energy and are determined to reach our targets this year. Our key priorities are in Botswana, and we are also exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe,” Goyal finishes.
