26 Mar 2024

Morupule Coal Mine on Saturday night commemorated Earth Hour by switching off all the equipment and electronic devices at the mine’s treatment plant for one hour.

Earth Hour is a global initiative where individuals and organisations around the world are encouraged to switch off non-essential lights and electronic devices for one hour as a symbolic gesture of commitment to the planet.

The lights were switched off between 8:30pm and 9:30pm.

Ms Botlhe Mokgethi, the plant manager at the coal mine, said they saw it fit  to observe Earth Hour with global community.

Ms Mokgethi said it was not just about turning off the lights, but that the hour symbolised a beacon of inspiration and awareness to communities to encourage them to stand in solidarity with the environment.

She said the effects of climate change were significant and urged each and everyone to work together and make a difference.

An environmental officer at the mine, Ms Maureen Kapunga said Earth Hour reminded them of their commitment to sustainability, adding that they were responsible for protecting the environment in which they worked.  

Ms Kapunga said they had implemented several initiatives at their coal plant to try to optimise their processes so that they could use electricity as efficiently as possible. 

Over and above efficiency, she said they had started to introduce renewables into their energy needs.

She noted that their street lights were powered by solar and that they had an electric vehicle and a solar operated borehole.

Ms Kapunga also emphasised that it was upon each and every one to commit to environmental protection and to ensure that the planet was protected. Ends