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Contrasting community and corporate perceptions of sustainability: A case study within the platinum mining region of South Africa

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  • Ololade, Olusola O.
  • Annegarn, Harold J.

Abstract

The concept of sustainable development is debatable within the mining context as the fact that mineral resources are non-renewable makes mining inherently unsustainable. The need for a realistic definition of sustainability that can be applied to mining is important, in light of claims by the industry that sustainable development principles underpin aspects of their operations. Furthermore, the socio-economic upliftment that should logically follow the implementation of these principles is not visible in many mining areas. Within the theoretical frameworks of intermediate sustainability, our study aimed to determine the level of sustainability that is appropriate for the mining context. The evaluation of community perspectives within the Rustenburg platinum region in South Africa as a case study, based on qualitative information derived from structured questionnaires and informal interviews brings further clarity. We found out that the environmental and social costs associated with mining were high, while economic benefits to surrounding communities were low. The perceptions of community and corporations were found to contrast sharply: the reality experienced by community members fell well short of the optimistic scenarios presented in the corporate social responsibility reports of the mining companies, which has implications for the mining industry in the area. The Rustenburg region is typical of mining areas, more especially the developing world, and application of a realistic sustainable development concept here can help the mining industry elsewhere to move its operations onto a genuinely more sustainable path.

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  • Ololade, Olusola O. & Annegarn, Harold J., 2013. "Contrasting community and corporate perceptions of sustainability: A case study within the platinum mining region of South Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 568-576.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:38:y:2013:i:4:p:568-576
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2013.09.005
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    1. Engels, Bettina, 2016. "Mining conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa: Actors and repertoires of contention," GLOCON Working Paper Series 2, Freie Universität Berlin, Junior Research Group "Global Change – Local Conflicts?" (GLOCON).
    2. Lucas Inacio Santos & Rosley Anholon & Dirceu Silva & Carlos Raul Etulain & Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues & Walter Leal Filho, 2022. "Corporate social responsibility projects: critical success factors for better performance of Brazilian companies and guidelines to qualify professionals and entrepreneurs," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 1685-1706, December.
    3. Natalia Krasnoshtanova, 2023. "Sustainability of Local Communities in a New Oil and Gas Region: The Case of Eastern Siberia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    4. Blesia, Jhon Urasti & Dixon, Keith & Lord, Beverley Rae, 2023. "Indigenous experiences and perspectives on a mining corporation's community relations and development activities," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    5. Yıldız, Taşkın Deniz, 2023. "How can shares be increased for indigenous peoples in state rights paid by mining companies? An education incentive through direct contribution to the people," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    6. Yi-Hsien Lin & Tsung-Hung Lee & Chiu-Kuang Wang, 2021. "Influence Analysis of Sustainability Perceptions on Sense of Community and Support for Sustainable Community Development in Relocated Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-17, November.
    7. Matlaba, Valente J. & Mota, José Aroudo & Maneschy, Maria Cristina & Filipe dos Santos, Jorge, 2017. "Social perception at the onset of a mining development in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 157-166.

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