Palabora operates an integrated mine, concentrator, smelter and refinery complex in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Construction of the open pit mine began in 1963 and the processing of ore in 1966. Subsequent expansions due to technological improvements extended the life of the open pit mine to nearly double the originally planned 20 years (1965 - 1985).

Open pit operations ceased in April 2002, and production started from a more costly, yet smaller underground operation. If the decision had been made to close the mine on depletion of the open pit, negative implications and other harmful multiplier effects would have resulted for the regional and national economies. Palabora supplies all of South Africa's refined copper needs. Locally, with a population of 200,000 within a 50 km radius, Palabora, together with two smaller interdependent organisations, produces approximately 80 per cent of the area's GDP. Mine closure would have resulted in further aggravation of the local unemployment situation.

Environmentally the company has in place extensive programmes to minimise the effects of emissions, dust and water pollution, as well as an on site wild life management programme. The company has implemented the ISO 14001 environmental management system and maintains a plan for eventual closure of operations, including management of social and environmental impacts, estimates of closure costs and financial provision, and consultation with local communities.

In recognition of these efforts, Palabora recently received a silver award as part of a national Excellence in Mining Environmental Management (EMEM) event run by the South African Department of Minerals and Energy to promote a positive and pro-active approach to environmental management in the mining industry. The EMEM award panel gave specific praise to Palabora for the business's commitments toward impact analyses and management, excellent closure planning and public consultation processes.