Anglo American Platinum donated four Bat Hawk surveillance aircraft to South African National Parks (SANParks) to aid in its surveillance, conservation and anti-poaching efforts. The sponsorship agreement is valued at over R3.8m. The donation is in line with the healthy environment pillar of the organisation’s sustainable mine plan, which is aimed at maintaining a healthy environment by creating waterless, carbon-neutral operations and delivering positive biodiversity outcomes.

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Anglo American Platinum’s executive head of projects, Prakashim Moodliar, said the Kruger National Park (KNP), which spans over two million hectares of land and is divided in 22 sections, continues to face several operational challenges linked to animal poaching, the poisoning of animals and snaring. The aircraft, which are proudly assembled in South Africa, are an affordable and safe alternative to helicopters. Other benefits include their great visibility during adverse weather conditions and their light undercarriage, which can easily manoeuvre through porous terrain.

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“Our donation presents an important step for biodiversity and conservation in the Kruger National Park. As an organisation that is committed to reimagining mining to improve people’s lives, Anglo American Platinum has always been clear that we cannot do this work alone, and that building a safer, cleaner and more sustainable future has to be founded on the collaboration and knowledge sharing that comes from partnering with like-minded organisations,” Moodliar said.

Barbara Creecy, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, said, “Anglo Platinum joins a number of international and local companies and individuals who work with SANParks to protect our natural world and our threatened species. These ultra-light aircraft will assist us in carrying out aerial patrols as well as monitoring and effectively managing the environment. As custodians of our fauna and flora, SANParks has limited resources at its disposal. It is therefore important to form partnerships to look after our country’s rich and varied biodiversity.”