Most residents feel mines do not benefit nearby communities, survey finds
ActionAid SA poll indicates that there has been little trickle-down development as promised by the government and the industry
Most residents of eight mining communities that were surveyed by an antipovertyagency said that they derived no benefit from having a mine in their area and that its proximity brought health and environmental problems instead. This is despite the stated intention of mining legislation and the Mining Charter for communities to benefit from social labour plans, which are the major drivers of corporate social responsibility. The results of the ActionAid SA survey indicate that there has been little trickle-down of community development as promised by the government and the industry. ActionAid released the results of the survey, the Social Audit Baseline Report, in Cape Town on Tuesday while mining companies were participating in the high-powered Mining Indaba nearby.
The survey was conducted in communities in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Of those interviewed 79% indicated that there was no benefit from the mines at all, wh...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.