Sasol's pollution is estimated to cost the South African economy approximately US$1.0 billion (R19 billion) annually, according to recent findings. A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) indicates that air pollution from Sasol’s Secunda facility, located in South Africa’s Highveld Priority Area (HPA), constitutes a public health crisis requiring urgent government intervention. The Sasol Secunda coal-to-liquids facility, a massive industrial complex, is situated within the Highveld Priority Area, a region already designated for its significant air quality challenges. CREA stated, "Air pollutant emissions from Sasol Secunda are associated with a substantial public health burden." The organization further elaborated, "The burden includes mortality, acute respiratory illness, chronic disease, adverse birth outcomes, child health impacts and productivity losses." The economic impact of this pollution is not merely theoretical; it represents a tangible drain on the nation's resources, affecting healthcare systems, worker productivity, and overall societal well-being. The scale of the financial burden shows the critical need for effective regulatory oversight and corporate accountability to mitigate these broad consequences.
Sasol maintains its commitment to environmental responsibility. "We are committed to improving air quality in the Highveld Priority Area while supporting South Africa’s energy transition," Sasol affirmed. The company also stated, "We operate in accordance with the requirements of our Atmospheric Emission Licences (AELs) and remain committed to compliance with applicable air quality regulations." Sasol added, "In support of improved ambient air quality, Sasol submitted its Emission Reduction and Management Plan for the Highveld Priority Area in September 2025 and is awaiting feedback from the licensing authority." This plan is intended to detail the company's strategies for reducing its environmental footprint within the designated priority area. The company also said, "We continue to monitor, report and disclose our environmental performance to the relevant authorities in line with regulatory requirements." This ongoing engagement with regulatory bodies is a key part of Sasol's stated approach to environmental governance.
Health and Economic Toll
Emissions from Sasol's Secunda facility have adversely affected local residents for the past 50 years, with some pollution travelling up to 150 km to cities including Johannesburg and Pretoria. This long-term exposure has created a legacy of health issues for communities living near and downwind from the facility. In 2024 alone, the facility emitted 112 kilotonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO₂). This substantial release of pollutants is directly linked to significant public health impacts across a wide geographical area. The persistent nature of these emissions means that residents have faced decades of compromised air quality, leading to a cumulative burden on their health.
Approximately 1,000 deaths are attributed to particulate matter (PM₂.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) originating from the facility. These deaths represent a tragic loss of life directly linked to industrial emissions. These emissions also result in a cumulative loss of 23,800 years of life across the affected population, noting the profound impact on longevity and quality of life. The health consequences extend further, as these emissions are expected to contribute to around 1,100 preterm births. Preterm births carry significant risks for infant health and development, imposing additional strain on families and healthcare services.
The pollution is further associated with 2,000 asthma-related emergency room visits during the same period. This high number of emergency visits shows the acute respiratory distress experienced by many in the affected communities. Among these, nearly half, specifically 930 visits, occurred among children aged 0 to 17. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates, making these statistics especially concerning. The widespread reach of the facility's emissions means that the health impacts extend beyond the immediate vicinity of Secunda, affecting urban centers and rural communities alike. The long-term exposure to these pollutants contributes to chronic health conditions and places a substantial burden on public health services in the region, requiring significant resources for treatment and care. The cumulative effect of these health issues contributes significantly to the US$1.0 billion annual economic cost attributed to Sasol's pollution.
Regulatory Concerns and Calls for Action
Sasol Secunda operates under alternative sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission limits that are less stringent than South Africa’s Minimum Emission Standards (MES). This regulatory flexibility, granted to the facility, has prompted serious concerns and calls for review from environmental organisations. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has urged the South African government to re-evaluate Sasol’s alternative limits for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to prioritize public health. CREA states that "Air pollutant emissions from Sasol Secunda are associated with a substantial public health burden," which it further clarifies as including "mortality, acute respiratory illness, chronic disease, adverse birth outcomes, child health impacts and productivity losses." The organization argues that the current, less stringent limits are directly contributing to these adverse health outcomes.
In response to these pressing concerns, CREA recommends the enforcement of binding annual emissions reductions for sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), particulate matter, and hydrogen sulfide across the entire Secunda facility. Such binding reductions would provide a clear framework for Sasol to significantly decrease its pollutant output. The organization also advocates for greater transparency by strengthening emissions reporting and ensuring independent monitoring data is publicly accessible. This increased transparency would allow for better public oversight and accountability regarding the facility's environmental performance. CREA's recommendations aim to bring Sasol Secunda's emissions in line with stricter environmental standards, thereby safeguarding the health of millions.
Sasol maintains its commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, "We are committed to improving air quality in the Highveld Priority Area while supporting South Africa’s energy transition." The company affirms its adherence to regulatory frameworks, noting, "We operate in accordance with the requirements of our Atmospheric Emission Licences (AELs) and remain committed to compliance with applicable air quality regulations." Sasol has also outlined steps it is taking toward emission management. "In support of improved ambient air quality, Sasol submitted its Emission Reduction and Management Plan for the Highveld Priority Area in September 2025 and is awaiting feedback from the licensing authority," the company stated. This plan is a key document detailing how Sasol intends to address its emissions within the specific regulatory context of the Highveld Priority Area. Sasol further indicated its ongoing adherence to oversight, adding, "We continue to monitor, report and disclose our environmental performance to the relevant authorities in line with regulatory requirements." This commitment to monitoring and reporting is presented as a cornerstone of its environmental management strategy.
Sasol's Response and Future Plans
The immense coal-to-fuels-and-chemicals complex, located 140 kilometres east of Johannesburg, is recognized as the largest single-site emitter of climate-warming gases globally. This designation notes its significant contribution to both local air pollution and global climate change. The facility also releases a range of other harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, which are expected to contribute to approximately 1,100 preterm births. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) states that "Air pollutant emissions from Sasol Secunda are associated with a substantial public health burden," further clarifying that "The burden includes mortality, acute respiratory illness, chronic disease, adverse birth outcomes, child health impacts and productivity losses." The cumulative effect of these pollutants on public health is a central concern for environmental advocates. CREA calls on South Africa’s environmental minister to implement stricter, binding emissions limits, enhance transparency, and prioritise the needs of affected communities in air-quality planning. These calls emphasize the need for strong governmental action to address the environmental and health crisis.
Sasol maintains its commitment to environmental improvements, stating, "We are committed to improving air quality in the Highveld Priority Area while supporting South Africa’s energy transition." This statement shows the company's dual focus on local air quality and broader energy shifts. The company affirms its operational compliance, noting, "We operate in accordance with the requirements of our Atmospheric Emission Licences (AELs) and remain committed to compliance with applicable air quality regulations." This assertion of compliance is a key part of Sasol's public stance on its environmental performance. In support of improved ambient air quality, Sasol submitted its Emission Reduction and Management Plan for the Highveld Priority Area in September 2025 and is awaiting feedback from the licensing authority. The outcome of this review process is eagerly anticipated by both the company and environmental watchdogs. Sasol also added, "We continue to monitor, report and disclose our environmental performance to the relevant authorities in line with regulatory requirements." This ongoing process of monitoring and reporting is presented as an integral part of Sasol's approach to managing its environmental impact. The company's future plans are expected to be shaped by the feedback received on its Emission Reduction and Management Plan, as well as by evolving regulatory pressures and public health concerns.
