Mining industry must incorporate community's needs

According to John Capel, executive director of the Bench Marks Foundation, certain aspects mentioned by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in his address at the International Mining History Congress in Johannesburg on 17 April 2012, made sense and if managed correctly, could make a significant difference to historically problematic areas in mining.

Says Capel: "However, there are many things that we as an independent organisation monitoring corporate performance in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR), have recommended during the course of our research into the CSR practices of the mining industry that can be immediately implemented by the government and would make a profound difference.

"One of these recommendations is for it to become more involved in ensuring that mining operators are complying with the laws of the land and not exploiting the citizens of the country. Another is for it to ensure that environmental impact assessments are occurring on an ongoing basis and for it to take a lead role in the sustainable development of mining.

Small minority enriching themselves

"In addition, the government needs to put measures in place that will stop its officials from enriching themselves from mining and appearing on mining companies' boards which has compromising consequences for the public good - a sure way to address what Motlanthe raised with regard to the small minority enriching themselves from the mining industry."

Capel said that Bench Marks welcomes the idea of increased local procurement and fair prices for local manufacturers and support a fair share of the mining returns going to the fiscus, but emphasises that a fair share should also be going back into the communities affected by mining. "Historically, small towns were built around mines. Recreation centres, schools and houses were built. But now we have mines skirting the issue of looking out for its staff by giving out living allowances which has created informal settlements with a lack of infrastructure and many negative socio-economic impacts."

Transformation must be managed carefully

He also said that the organisation agrees that transformation within the industry is required, but that it needs to be managed carefully. "Bringing more women into the industry is essential, but measures need to be put into place to ensure that they are adequately protected. Sexual abuse of women is a common occurrence in the industry. Proper frameworks are required in order to ensure that the environment is made safer for women."

Capel agreed that mineral rights should go where they can be best used - to develop the country - but he said that it should also include communities and that community engagement, involvement and upliftment should be a standard line item in every mining company's agenda, and indeed promoted by government.

"Communities impacted upon by mining and who make way for mining are no longer prepared to accept the status quo. They want real development that incorporates their needs, jobs, skills, and their human development potential. They want a share of the wealth. They want to be the preferred black economic empowerment partners."