
We know our lives are in danger: Environment of fear in South Africa's mining-affected communities
This report highlights how mining has affected South African communities and examines the legal framework and community engagement procedures relating to mining activity. It discusses the impacts of mining on communities in terms of health, environment, livelihoods and social cohesion, as well as the high levels of violence in these communities.
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OVERVIEW
This report covers how mining has had an adverse effect on communities in South Africa. The report offers recommendations for a more sustainable approach to mining in South Africa, including recommendations for authorities and mining companies.
The authors provide a brief overview of the current legal framework governing mining in South Africa and highlight the limited community participation in decision-making, a lack of transparency, and poor enforcement of standards and regulations. The report highlights the impact of mining on public health and the environment in South African communities, leading to air and water pollution, soil contamination, and related health impacts. Evidence is also presented of the depletion of natural resources and how unsustainable mining practices lead to communities losing access to land and resources such as livelihoods.
Violence in mining-affected communities
The report provides examples of violence against members of mining-affected communities, including murders and assaults, perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. The extractives companies use the police to suppress opposition and perpetrate violence against communities who assert their rights to participate in decision-making processes. The report also outlines how intimidation and threats of violence, both online and offline, are used to undermine freedom of speech and expression by human rights defenders and activists.
Role of the state and other responsible actors
The report highlights the failures of the South African government in ensuring adequate protection of communities’ rights and addressing the negative impacts of mining activities on their lives. It urges the state to strengthen regulatory frameworks to safeguard the rights of these communities and to foster transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Additionally, the report calls on transnational corporations, civil society, and financial institutions to ensure that their activities in the mining sector do not contribute to human rights abuses.
Community empowerment
The report offers recommendations including education, and training for communities to allow them to participate effectively in decision-making processes. It argues that the South African government should consult these communities on all related decisions, including permitting decisions, and ensures they receive all relevant information on the adverse socio-economic and environmental risks of mining, in accordance with the country’s jurisprudence.
Corporate accountability and responsibility
The report highlights the responsibility of mining companies to conduct their operations responsibly and to respect human rights. It argues that mining companies should conduct human rights assessments, engage transparently with communities, and implement meaningful public participation processes at all stages of the mining process. Financial institutions, such as banks and pension funds, are recommended to take stronger measures to ensure that the investments they make do not contribute to human rights abuses.
Conclusion
The report highlights the need for the mining industry to prioritise human rights, environmental protection, and economic sustainability over profit-seeking. The authors call on companies, the government, civil society, and financial institutions to work together to ensure that mining does not pose a threat to the livelihoods, health and dignity of mining-affected communities in South Africa.