How can things be different in South Africa’s mining industry?
If wellbeing is the main goal of the economy of the future, how does mining fififit in?
How can we shift away from the low-skilled, labour-intensive model? How can mining-affected communities, and the nation, benefififit equitably from the country’s mineral endowments?
What are the links between mineral extraction and industrialisation?
How can we use technology to dig deeper and less dangerously?
What are the ideal roles of the state, private corporations and unions in a 21st century mining industry?
How do structures of mining in the past taint the possibilities of mining in the future? Is there a future in mining?

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 like these, without engaging in holistic debate.

The first of its kind in South Africa, 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 like the potential of platinum to spur industrialisation, land and dispossession in 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 late 19th century, mineworker organising: history and lessons and how post-mine rehabilitation can be tackled.

It was inspired not only by an appreciation of our country’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 our economy.