SASOL Integrated Report 2025_Final_28 August 2025 - Flipbook - Page 90
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT SASOL
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
BUSINESSES
ESG
REMUNERATION REPORT
DATA AND ASSURANCE / ADMINISTRATION
ENVIRONMENT continued
WATER
Our commitment
Our group approach
We are committed to the responsible use of natural resources
and to preventing pollution and degradation by exercising our
duty of care in respect of water, which we consider a precious
resource essential to our processes.
We are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact CEO Water Mandate and have adopted its Water
Stewardship Framework to guide our response to water-related risks. Water supply and management are
critical to our operations, particularly in water-stressed regions where our South African facilities are located.
We continuously measure, monitor and report water use data to effectively track and manage risks to our
water security.
In implementing our water use efficiency and pollution prevention initiatives, we partner with local authorities
and other stakeholders to address water-related challenges in the catchment areas within which we operate.
PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES
Our CDP Water performance
In 2024, Sasol received a B score for its CDP Water disclosure, a decline
from A- in 2023. While we saw improvements in risk and response
management and governance, scores fell in areas such as value chain
engagement and target-setting.
Points were deducted due to the short-term nature of our water
targets, which are currently framed as commitments rather than
quantifiable metrics. Value chain engagement received the lowest
category score (C), despite our continued efforts to enhance
supplier collaboration.
Two newly assessed categories – water pollution management and
public policy engagement – were both rated B-. All other category
scores remained stable.
Looking ahead, based on current progress in refining water targets
and strengthening supply chain engagement, we anticipate that
scores will remain steady in the next reporting cycle.
Licence applications
Maintaining compliance with water use authorisations
The Groot Bossiespruit Wetland Reinstatement Project has completed
phases 1 and 2, including the installation of nine weirs and one
spillway. Recent heavy rainfall tested the new structures, prompting
ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to ensure long-term
resilience. We are currently evaluating their performance during high
rainfall events, and lessons learnt will inform design enhancements
for phase 3. Our commitment to continuous improvement remains
central to advancing future restoration efforts.
For detail related to water use licences, refer to the environmental compliance section
pages 92 – 93.
Water use
(million cubic metres)
2025
2024
River water
Potable water
Desalinated water
Other water
103,9
9,0
3,5
11,4
105,4
8,9
3,2
11,1
Total
127,8
128,6
Increase
I Decrease
I No change
Our total water use showed a slight decrease. The decrease in river
water use was primarily driven by reductions at our Sasolburg Natref
Operations (SNO). In FY25, the Sasolburg site achieved lower overall
water consumption, largely due to improved recycling performance.
Notably, both the fire water system and the dedicated domestic
sewer (DDS) stream recorded higher recycling rates compared to
previous years. Additional contributing factors included planned
shutdowns and the repair of a raw water line leak. At Natref, river
water use declined as a result of infrastructure challenges affecting
the river water supply, which required a temporary switch to potable
water. The site’s total water use was further reduced by the
operational shutdown following a fire incident.
Sasol Mining continues to recycle water for use in the underground
mining processes and surface operations. This ongoing recycling
reduces the reliance on potable water for mining activities.
Water availability
Potable water availability
Over the past two years, the Secunda region has experienced
multiple potable water supply interruptions due to infrastructure
and supply-related challenges. Acknowledging national pressures
on potable water supply, we established an internal focus group to
proactively manage these challenges and mitigate future impacts
on our Secunda Operations (SO). Key measures include phased
installation of water storage tanks to support hygiene needs and
transitioning selected process feed areas from potable to alternative
water sources, such as raw or utility water. Additional long-term
measures are also being investigated.
At our Regional Operations and Asset Services (ROAS) Ekandustria
site, we have successfully reduced our reliance on potable water by
transitioning to groundwater for certain operations. This proactive
measure not only enhances the site’s resilience to potential supply
disruptions but also contributes to more sustainable water management
by reducing demand on municipal potable water systems.
River water quality
Enabling an adequate quality of water supplied from the IVRS
Enabling sustainable supply of water from the Integrated Vaal
River System
The potential scarcity of water from the Integrated Vaal River System
(IVRS) poses a material risk to Sasol’s operations. In response, Sasol
engages proactively with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS),
SASOL INTEGRATED REPORT 2025
and other key stakeholders in the Vaal catchment, to monitor and
assess water security. These engagements enable Sasol to stay
informed of emerging risks. Long-term projections indicate increasing
pressure on water supply from the IVRS due to rising demand. In FY25
the implementation of phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands water
project progressed well with limited risks.
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During the first half of the year, SO experienced a period of poor raw
water quality supplied from the Grootdraai Dam. This had a notable
impact on overall water use volumes, as additional treatment and
operational adjustments were required to manage water quality
parameters and ensure process stability. The subsequent high summer
rains in the catchment area improved the quality of feedwater to SO.
