Transitioning SA's Petrochemical Value Chain

Secunda and Sasolburg and their associated value chains have physical presence, often requiring large areas of land.

Open-cast mining for coal and metals is potentially disruptive to large areas of land.  Whilst current South African law requires appropriate rehabilitation of mining land on mine closure, historically rehabilitation by mining houses has not always been properly carried out, and biodiversity impacts have not been completely understood or avoided.

Solid waste disposal to landfill also has negative impacts on land, disrupting land areas and having potential for leachate generation which can pollute water bodies.

Transport infrastructure has significant land use implications.  Road or rail expansion will involve disruption to land.  Reducing transport demand obviously does not.

Sustainable carbon sources in the form of biomass may also have direct or indirect impacts on land-use, depending on the type of biomass.

Finally, renewable energy technologies including wind and solar PV require large areas of land, particularly at the scales required for the energy transition, including for production of green hydrogen.