Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to pilot the production of feedstock for renewable diesel.
The signing took place during the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. This partnership marks a crucial step in establishing a renewable fuel value chain in South Africa.
Focus on Sustainable Feedstock Production
The initiative will evaluate the technical and commercial viability of producing feedstock using Solaris and Moringa plantations to generate vegetable oil.
Sasol’s existing infrastructure can process a range of feedstocks, allowing the company to produce renewable diesel more efficiently than greenfield projects and at lower costs.
Sasol Highlights Renewable Diesel’s Potential
Dr. Sarushen Pillay, Sasol’s Executive Vice President of Business Building, Strategy, and Technology, stated, “It meets the technical standards of conventional diesel while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Our customers can use it as a ‘drop-in’ fuel in their existing equipment to meet emission reduction goals”.
Sasol aims to develop a local, cost-effective supply chain for sustainable feedstock, supporting the transition to low-carbon energy solutions.
Anglo American and De Beers Strengthen Sustainability Commitments
Alison Atkinson, Anglo American’s Projects and Development Director said, “This initiative strengthens our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. It aligns with our sustainability goals and contributes to a healthier environment”.
De Beers played a key role in forming the partnership. It leveraged its pre-feasibility studies on renewable diesel trials in mining operations and host communities.
The company is also providing over 20 hectares of land for trial feedstock cultivation. The selected sites include Blouberg and Messina in Limpopo, Marble Hall, and the Voorspoed mine closure site in the Free State.
Promising Future for Renewable Diesel in South Africa
South Africa has yet to produce renewable diesel at a commercial scale. However, market demand and decarbonisation targets are driving growth in the renewable fuels sector.
According to the company press release, the collaboration positions Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers as leaders in sustainable energy. It drives innovation in renewable solutions.
