As mining industry companies and stakeholders prepare for the 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba, we unveil a new white paper that sheds light on the Mining Charter ⎯ an at times contentious yet crucial instrument in navigating the industry’s complex transformation journey.
While the Charter’s role in fostering Black ownership and social responsibility is undeniable, questions linger about its impact on overall industry performance and alignment with the greater Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) movement.
The paper, titled Transformative Pathways in South Africa’s Mining Sector: Chartering an ESG-Aligned Era, takes a look at the Charter’s successes and shortcomings. It acknowledges the significant progress made in Black ownership, which has increased from 2% to 39% since 2004. However, it also highlights concerns about varying degrees of compliance and the need for broader-based participation at all levels.
As South Africa navigates its mining future, this white paper provides insights for striking this crucial balance between compliance and realising the opportunities that arise from implementing effective ESG strategies inspired by the existing policy framework.