Afrimat, a prominent South African company known for its operations in lime, iron ore, anthracite, and manganese, has taken an unexpected step into the hemp industry. Partnering with legacy brand Hemporium, they are utilizing hemp-based materials for the expansion of a building in Cape Town. This move sparks a debate: is Afrimat genuinely investing in the future of South Africa’s hemp industry, or is it a calculated PR maneuver?
The investment arrives at a pivotal moment as South Africa actively seeks to cultivate its hemp sector. The government, through the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill, has issued 1,110 permits for hemp cultivation, signaling its commitment to developing the industry. Afrimat’s involvement could provide the much-needed financial resources for the sector to scale up.
Afrimat’s collaboration with Hemporium showcases the company’s growing interest in sustainability. Alongside its mining operations, Afrimat has been actively pursuing renewable energy initiatives, recycling mining by-products, and rehabilitating mined-out areas through reforestation and water conservation projects. These efforts are commendable, considering the significant environmental impact of mining operations. Iron ore mining, for instance, can contaminate water sources with sediment and metal runoff, while the removal of vegetation for mining operations drastically reduces biodiversity. Limestone mining also contributes to environmental degradation through altered land-use patterns, dust pollution, and noise pollution, harming local ecosystems and communities.
The hemp-lime block technology used in Cape Town, combined with specialized binders, presents a sustainable alternative in the construction industry. Hemporium and Afrimat Hemp, a subsidiary of Afrimat, are nearing the completion of a seven-story expansion on an existing five-story building. This new structure, built with 28 cm-thick hemp blocks, will bring the building’s total height to 12 stories. It will house Hemporium’s flagship retail outlet, offering hemp-derived clothing, skincare, and CBD products, alongside a steak restaurant and 50 hotel rooms.
The walls are constructed with hempcrete blocks, manufactured by Afrimat Hemp using European hemp hurd and locally sourced lime. These blocks are capable of withstanding fire for 135 minutes. The building also boasts solar panels, smart metering, a borehole with filtration for backup water, and a thermally activated building system (TABS) to regulate temperature without mechanical heating or cooling. This demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable design.
Hempcrete, a sustainable building material, begins with harvesting the stalks of the hemp plant. After harvesting, the stalks are left on the ground for 10 to 14 days to degrade the outer fibers, releasing the inner woody core known as hemp hurd. This hemp hurd is the primary construction material. The hemp stalks are then collected, crushed, and sorted to separate the fiber from the hurd. The hurd, chopped into small particles, is cleaned to remove dust, ensuring material quality.
The next step involves mixing the processed hemp hurd with lime and water. The typical ratio is three parts hemp, one part lime, and one part water, although these proportions can vary based on humidity and project requirements. This mixture is used to create blocks or panels for construction. In some cases, the mixture is poured into molds to make bricks, which are compacted and air-dried or placed in an oven. For larger structures, the mixture can be poured directly into formwork to create whole walls, eliminating the need for individual brick assembly.
Hempcrete is renowned for being lightweight, 50% lighter than traditional concrete, and ten times more insulating. This makes it an eco-friendly and flexible building solution, offering a compelling alternative to conventional materials.
Afrimat’s foray into the hemp industry, while raising questions about its motives, could have a significant impact on the development of the sector in South Africa. The company’s resources and expertise, combined with the government’s support, could drive the industry forward and contribute to a more sustainable future.
