Sasol’s Secunda Plant Linked to 1,000 Annual Pollution Deaths
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Sasol's Secunda Plant Linked to 1,000 Annual Pollution Deaths
- A recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimates that pollution from Sasol's Secunda plant is associated with approximately 1,000 premature deaths each year.
- The report, published around August 29, 2026, also links the plant's emissions to other severe health impacts, including low birthweight births and asthma emergency-room visits.
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A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), released around August 29, 2026, indicates that air pollution from Sasol’s Secunda operations contributes to an estimated 1,000 premature deaths annually. This vast coal-to-fuels and chemicals complex, located 140 kilometers east of Johannesburg, is recognized as the world’s largest single-site emitter of climate-warming gases. Beyond greenhouse gases, the plant also releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, which have significant health consequences for surrounding communities.
The CREA research further estimates that in the 2024/25 financial year, the pollution from the Secunda plant is associated with 820 low birthweight births, 1,100 premature births, and around 2,000 asthma emergency-room visits. These findings underscore a long-standing concern regarding air quality in the Mpumalanga Highveld, where Secunda is situated. Residents in this region have reported high rates of respiratory illnesses, asthma, and other health issues attributed to industrial pollution.
South Africa’s national air quality officer recently rejected Sasol’s bid for exemption from stricter sulfur dioxide emission limits, which are set to come into force on April 1, 2025. Sasol has stated its intention to appeal this decision, asserting that it has already spent over R7 billion to curb emissions at its Secunda and Sasolburg plants and the Natref refinery. Environmental groups and activists have consistently pressured both Sasol and the government to improve emission standards and ensure compliance, citing the constitutional right to a healthy environment for affected communities.