The Future of Mining in South Africa: Sunset or Sunrise?

The future of mining in South Africa is hotly
contested. Wide-ranging views from multiple quarters rarely seem to
intersect, placing emphasis on different questions without engaging in
holistic debate.

This book aims to catalyse change by gathering
together fragmented views into unifying conversations. It highlights the
importance of debating the future of mining in South Africa and for
reaching consensus in other countries across the mineral-dependent
globe.

It covers issues such as the potential of platinum to spur
industrialisation, land and dispossession on the platinum belt, the
roles of the state and capital in mineral development, mining in the era
of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the experiences of women in and
affected by mining since the late 19th century and mine worker
organising: history and lessons and how post-mine rehabilitation can be
tackled.

It was inspired not only by an appreciation of South
Africa’s extensive mineral endowments, but also by a realisation that,
while the South African mining industry performs relatively well on many
technical indicators, its management of broader social issues leaves
much to be desired. It needs to be deliberated whether the mining
industry can play as critical a role going forward as it did in the
evolution of the country’s economy.